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

He reached a hand out to touch the flesh, to reassure himself that it was reality. The heat of Yashiv’s skin felt real. The motion caused Yashiv to jump in surprise, spinning on the bed to look at Cassian. When their eyes met, the guard relaxed.


“Master,” Yashiv said, closing his eyes and bringing Cassian in against his chest.


They rested there for so long Cassian thought Yashiv had fallen back asleep. Cassian was content to spend the entire day lounging like this. And every day after. The crest of happiness that swelled in him made his eyes water.


There was a knock against the wall, followed by Perla’s voice calling out, “Master?”


Yashiv’s body stiffened and his eyes darted around the room, as if looking for a place to hide.


“Yes?” Cassian answered. Yashiv made to stand from the bed, but Cassian’s grasped his arm and forced him to still.


“Lady Wen has…requested your presence.”


Chapter 28