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

Gullen and her mother explained their past position and their request for more work. The servant let them in with hardly a question. Gullen shot Cassian an encouraging grin over her shoulder as she followed her mother into the entrance.


“And you?” the servant asked Nenet. “What is your area of expertise?”


“Weav—” Nenet began, but Cassian stopped her.


“Cooking,” he said over Nenet. “My mother and I are the best cooks you will ever meet. My mother makes the most incredible aife. I guarantee you’ll find no better.”


The servant’s brow crinkled at Cassian’s lack of decorum. “And what do you cook, child?”


“I…uh…I am more of a helper for my mother. I gather the ingredients.”


The servant stared up at him, and he felt smaller under her gaze.


Chapter 47