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

Even if Master were so inclined to return Yashiv’s feelings, there was no way Yashiv would be able to act. He was given the task of protecting Cassian, and if he entangled their lives any farther, he’d be unable to do his job properly. Duty came before his personal feelings.


Yashiv looked away, a physical sense of tearing running through his body, a bandage stuck to the clotted blood and ripped away, reopening the wound.


He kicked his horse on the flank, sending the creature into a trot. Once he pulled even with Cassian and the child, they followed after. Perla would be fine handling this part of the operation. They needed to get this child back to camp and figure out what to do with her.


Chapter 10