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

“Master,” Yashiv breathed after a few moments.


Cassian’s skin tingled at the single word, and the way Yashiv had uttered it. The hairs on his arms stood straight up and he shivered. “Yes?”


Cassian pulled back, eyes opening wide. “Now?”


Yashiv smiled, his hand reaching out to cup Cassian’s chin. “We have a lot to do before we leave tonight.”


Yashiv kissed him again, but only briefly. “We will find time to be alone tonight and then we can continue this.”


“That seems like teasing, Yashiv. You can’t kiss me like that then run off.”


“I can and will, Master. I’ll send Nenet up to speak with you. I’m sure you’ve realized we’ll need her help with Wen.”


Cassian sighed. That was twice now that that Yashiv got him worked up without calming him down. Of course, there were more pressing matters to attend to. They didn’t seem so important when Yashiv was this close.


“Yes. Please send her to me. I’ll explain what we need her to do.” 15


Chapter 36