Nine years ago, Cassian witnessed the assassination of his father, which left him to lead the desert clan. Growing up, he had relied on help from those around him; now an adult, Cassian wants to prove his own worth. His first task -- securing the love of his bodyguard, Yashiv. Though the two have been inseparable since Cassian’s childhood, he fears Yashiv won’t let down his walls of propriety. Then Cassian finds a child, the only survivor of the king’s caravan procession. Wen claims to be the bride for Prince Manoel, the ruler of the nearby city, but underlying currents of her story raise Cassian’s suspicions. Cassian and Yashiv must find where Wen belongs, before rival clans, the city’s guards, or Cassian’s own people decide the child’s fate. Can Cassian and Yashiv find out where Wen belongs before her fate is decided by rival clans or Cassian’s own people? And can Cassian show Yashiv he’s now a man, as well as Master of his clan?

Shifting Sand

With the rug in place, the room was dark, without any source of light. Cassian’s hand sought Yashiv’s again. Relying on his free hand to find the wall, Yashiv led Cassian into the far corner. If the attackers somehow found their hiding spot, Yashiv could still protect the child with his own body.


The boy sank to the ground and pulled his knees to his chest.


“My father’s dead, isn’t he?” Cassian asked softly.


Yashiv nodded, though he wasn’t sure the child could see the motion. “The guards on his door were dead. He had very few with him inside the study, since it showed a lack of trust.”


Cassian’s fingers began to tremble harder, and a small whimper escaped his throat.


Chapter 4