So far, her attempts to walk through a dune had not been successful. But not for the lack of trying. Shyla climbed to the top of the nearest dune, Using her magic, she removed the sand underneath her feet so she sank down into it. At least she no longer panicked when the sand closed above her head. In fact, she took a moment to savor the protection and warmth that built from her body heat. However, when she focused on creating an exit in the side of the dune, the sand exploded from the hole instead of pouring gently out. The noise alone would alert anyone nearby that something strange was going on. Stealth was key for this maneuver. Frustrated, Shyla smoothed the gaping hole, returning the dune to its unblemished state. Jayden had done it with nary a ripple. Then again, Jayden also had eighteen circuits of practice. Except now his magic was gone.

As the new Water Prince, he couldn’t have an unfair advantage over his citizens. Shyla didn’t regret taking his magic from him. Her worries focused on how he would handle the job without his power. Mojag promised to keep an eye on him from a distance. The boy hadn’t forgiven Jayden for betraying the Invisible Swords. And Aphra, Jayden’s new archeologist, also said she’d watch him for signs of trouble. The citizens of Zirdai deserved a qualified, compassionate, and incorruptible leader.

When it grew too cold, she ducked inside the hut to warm up and check the gamelus. They had curled up together with their long legs and snouts tucked in tight, looking like an oversized yellow bush. A few gave her sleepy half-lidded looks. Shyla wondered how anyone could tell them apart. But Faizah and Anwar knew them all by name. Come to think of it, so did Rendor.

Once warm, she returned to practicing with the sand until Rendor arrived to take his turn. Another reason she enjoyed guard duty was when he pulled her close and kissed her like he hadn’t seen her in circuits. Heat immediately speared her and she deepened the kiss, wrapping her arms around him.

Rendor’s sense of duty always kicked in and he broke off the kiss to scan the surrounding desert for trouble. She rested her head on his chest and just soaked him in, listening to the thrum of his heart.

“Go inside and get warmed up,” Rendor said.