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

“Lady Wen,” Cassian said, “who is your father?”


The child squirmed a bit under the eyes of so many people. Or perhaps the question made her uncomfortable. “My mama left papa when I was little. We ran from him because it wasn’t safe.”


“Then why go to Sufarra now?” Master asked. “That was risky to expose yourself.”


“Mama said it was safe now. She said we didn’t have to run from papa anymore. That I could go and marry Prince Manoel.”


“Another lie,” Kassim spat. “Master, this child is deceiving you. We should just give her back to her clan.”


The child took a step forward, out of Yashiv’s grasp. She turned to face the elders, her face red. “I am the daughter of Lady Dabria Bazzi. I am not from any clan.” She sneered as she said the word. “Now stop trying to insult me.”


Chapter 23