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

“Excuse me,” Nenet said to the guard. “My daughter and I wish to seek employment among the king’s weavers. May we speak to your head of household?”


The guard looked them up and down with only mild interest. “Yes, go around to the left. That’s the service door.”


“Thank you,” Nenet said, bowing low. Cassian mimicked her posture.


They walked past the gate and toward the direction the guard instructed. At the door, a long line of women already waited.


“This will take too long,” Cassian whispered.


He sighed, but it didn’t change the fact that he wanted to push everyone aside and force his way into the palace.


Chapter 46