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

“How do you feel?” Cassian asked her. “Any better?”


Nenet nudged her. “You answer Master Cassian.”


A ghost of a grin lit Nenet’s face. “No, you won’t answer? Or no, you don’t feel better?”


“Master,” Nenet said, “may I take her to bed? She’ll need to get plenty of sleep.”


Cassian nodded. “Thank you, Nenet. I’ll have another bed sent over so you can stay in there tonight, too.”


“It’d be my pleasure, Master. Come along, Lady Wen.” She took the child’s hand in hers and led her down the hallway to Cassian’s old bedroom.


Yashiv moved from his resting place against the wall. “I don’t feel right having her in the house.”


Chapter 13