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

“I don’t like to think of the poor child in danger,” Wirat murmured behind Yashiv. “To think the king and prince could be so cruel.”


“I’m not surprised that Manoel would do this,” Yashiv answered just as quietly. “We live a harsh life here in the desert. Even in the clan, the consensus was to kill the child for being a spy.”


“Unbelievable,” Wirat said harshly. “Anyone can see the child is just a pawn in the larger game.”


“None see it that way, Wirat. Which is why we brought her here. Of course, this place is no safer for her than our tents. Maybe we should have returned her to Hashir.”


From down the line, Gaapo spoke up. “It does not matter what you should have done. She is here now. And Master in the palace with her. All thoughts need to focus on getting them out safely.”


Chapter 48