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

“There was a child, Master Cassian,” Vada said, recognizing she now spoke to whom she had requested. “She was taken from our camp by these women.”


“A child,” Cassian repeated. “Why did they take this child of your clan?”


“They meant to sell her, most likely. She has unique coloring, blonde hair and green eyes. Those types can bring about large sums in the city.”


“They can,” Master agreed. “How did they know to look for this child among your people?”


Vada realized that Master was not accepting her story completely. She glanced at her companion again before speaking. Her words seemed dragged from unyielding lips. “She is the illegitimate child of Master Tiago. Knowledge of the child had spread and these women stole the child and wanted to use her against Master.”


“Is your security so negligent that she could be taken so?”


The woman’s eyes narrowed. “Says the man whose father was assassinated in his own home.”


Chapter 21