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

“This place is so big,” Cassian said, letting his eyes wander around the hallway. Though the walls were simple clay bricks—not so different from his own home—they were painted bright colors, and the rugs along the ground were plush and thick. “It’s beautiful.”


“It is,” Gullen replied softly. “I was very sad when Mama’s illness made us take the season off. I missed it here.”


“You’re working in the kitchens now?”


“Yes, they had enough chambermaids.” She frowned, her disappointment showing. “But the kitchens aren’t so bad. It smells so yummy.”


“Gullen, can you take me to the kitchen before we go to the privy? I can’t imagine so much food in one place. It’ll give me sweet dreams if I can see it.”


Gullen smiled conspiratorially. “If we’re quick. Your mother is awful scary, and I don’t want her to get mad at me.”


Cassian nodded. Nenet was scary. “I’ll be quick, I swear.”


With a soft giggle, Gullen cut down a side hallway and Cassian followed.


Chapter 51