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

Cassian held out a hand to Yashiv. “You are the best candidate for the job. As soon as Rafiq is informed of his elevation to the elder council, you will take your place in Rafiq’s tent.”


A flash of displeasure passed through Yashiv’s eyes before he lowered his face. “As you wish, Master,” he choked out.


Cassian fought to keep the grin off his face. Yashiv had been convincing. Now that had put a seed of doubt in the elders’ minds, that the bodyguard was less than pleased with Cassian at the moment.


“We will inform Rafiq at once,” Kassim said.


“No,” Cassian answered, forcing his chin up, struggling to meet their eyes. “We will wait until tomorrow, when Cian can be laid to rest. We will do nothing before he is reunited with Gaetan—the god of the dead.”


The elders left the room, talking quietly among themselves. When the mat closed behind them, Cassian collapsed back onto the bed. Yashiv was beside him a heartbeat later.


Chapter 34