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

For the past six months, Cassian tried to work up the courage to express his feelings. Yashiv had never shown any interest in another person besides Cassian, had never spoken of lovers or even potential lovers. That gave hope to the seed inside Cassian’s heart. With so much devotion from the guard, Cassian imagined his feelings could be returned. He just wished he wasn’t such a coward in that regard.


Right before Cassian pulled aside the mat over the opening to his house, a rush of footfalls sounded behind him. He spun, looking at a group of five soldiers approaching. They bowed to him quickly, but the leader spoke before completing the sign of respect.


“A caravan approaches,” she said. Cassian recognized Perla, one of the female warriors. Her long hair was pulled back into two tails gathered by her ears. Her near-black eyes gazed at Cassian, competent and capable. She was an Aquila, a leader of her own squadron of soldiers.


“Mount up,” Cassian commanded. “We will go investigate.”


Chapter 6