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

They did their morning routine by rote; Cassian ate, then bathed, and dressed in his best silk outfit. It has been a present from the elders on his last birthday. Yashiv hadn’t seen Master wear it once, but could tell Cassian had a desire to impress Lady Wen. It was an interesting motivation in Master, trying so hard for a stranger. Yashiv wondered what his ultimate goal was. Not to use the child, as Obasi had suggested. Then what?


Before making their rounds of the camp, Cassian wanted to check on Wen.


The child was down in the kitchens with Nenet, a glass of goat’s milk clutched in one hand and a honey biscuit in the other. She was dressed in normal linen clothes, with no hint of her rags from yesterday. Her reddish brown hair, though short, was combed down straight, and much more feminine.


“Good morning, Lady Wen,” Cassian greeted.


“Morning,” she mumbled in reply, keeping her eyes fixed on her plate.


Chapter 16