When Sherwood Smith updated and reprinted the definitive edition of her beloved classic Crown Duel, she asked me to create the cover. This edition contains both of the original duology, Crown Duel and Court Duel. She wanted something that reflected how the heroine had to fight with swords and arms in the field in one book, but with wits and manners in the court in the other. I found this image of a woman in a beautiful green gown holding a sword, and cropped in close on her hands and the sword hilt, as I felt that the rich brocade sleeves signified the court and the sword signified the field. I also added the lace fan as a design element as part of that theme.
Here’s the paperback version:
