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

No. He was just the servant. And Master’s words could be out of gratitude for Yashiv’s service, not out of any sort of love.


Yashiv lowered his hand to his side, clenching it into a fist.


“I thank you for your words, Master,” he said. “I’m also grateful for your father’s mercy. If you feel this strongly about it, I will aid you in whatever way I can. Simply command me, and I will do it.”


Cassian nodded, still not raising his face. He set off walking again.


At the center of the warrior’s camp was Rafiq’s command tent. It was as large as five other tents combined. It had sectioned off rooms inside with curtains draped from the ceiling, giving Rafiq a bedroom, a study with a chair, as well as the large open area with several tables and maps. When Cassian and Yashiv entered, Rafiq was already deep in discussion with a group of his warriors.


“How much longer?” Rafiq asked Jef, a member of Perla’s Aquila. “It’s been almost a full day.”


Chapter 17