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

Wen grabbed the spoon beside her plate and jabbed it down atop Cassian’s hand. The girl lacked any real strength, and the wooden edge of the spoon was sanded smooth. Still, Master shot to his feet with a yell, knocking his chair onto the floor. The kitchen workers rushed to his side, and Wen ran for the door amidst the commotion.


Yashiv’s first reaction was to rush to Master’s side and ensure his safety, but he knew there was little harm the child could do, so he stretched his legs and beat her to the door. He blocked the entryway with his large bulk, looking down at the child with a glare. She froze for half a heartbeat, then tried to dive through his legs. Yashiv moved his thighs and calves together and the child ran into them with her shoulder. He gritted his teeth from the pain to his bones. Wen stood up and wobbled from the impact. He reached down to grab her shirt, but Nenet caught her first.


Chapter 11