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

“Are you falling asleep? We still need to discuss what to do.”


“No,” Yashiv said softly. “Just go to sleep, Master.” Yashiv lifted a hand and turned the knob of the oil lamp. The room plunged into darkness. “Good night, Cassian.”


Cassian lifted the blanket to cover both their bodies, then shifted to get comfortable against the guard’s chest. “Good night, Yashiv.” 17


Cassian sat up straight in bed, Yashiv doing likewise bedside him. In half a heartbeat, the guard was on his feet and out the door, his sword and knife in hand. Cassian hadn’t even seen the large man reach for his weapons.


Knowing Yashiv could handle any threat, Cassian took the few seconds needed to throw on a pair of pants. Yashiv had rushed out in the nude, which was fine for a bodyguard, but not the best idea for Master of the clan.


“Cassian,” Yashiv yelled from the room next door. “Hurry!”


Chapter 44