I'd recommend Conquest 12/Hexblade 5 if you're looking for a Lv17 end point. Getting short rest 3rd level slots from Hexblade 5 and 4 ASIs will give you a lot of flexibility. You can use your Warlock slots to cast Fear at the start of most battles and your Paladin slots for spiritual weapon,smites, etc. ASIs to max CHA. Remaining 2 allow you to pickup warcaster or Res(CON) + whatever other feat you'd like. Overall very solid.
I'd agree that the battlemaster levels don't add a lot other than some extra burst and board manipulation. You're already fantastic at both of those as a Conquest Pally.