Political intrigue. Forbidden attraction. A deadly conspiracy that threatens two worlds. For Linnea, newly appointed chancellor of the Cresteks, power comes with a target on her back. When whispers of treachery echo through the corridors of her city, she makes a desperate move—summoning the one Dothvek warrior she can't forget from her brother's wedding. Zexx never wanted to leave the sacred sands of his homeland for the enemy's gleaming city. But when Linnea calls for his help, something beyond duty compels him to answer. Reluctantly accepting the role of Dothvek ambassador, he finds himself caught between his people's ancient distrust and the undeniable pull he feels toward the strong-willed chancellor. As Zexx uncovers a sinister plot against Linnea, their political alliance transforms into something far more dangerous—and forbidden. With assassins closing in and tensions between their worlds escalating, they must rely on each other if there’s to be any hope for peace between their peoples. Time is running out. Can love between sworn enemies survive in a world determined to keep them apart? If you like hot alien warriors, exotic alien worlds, and fated mates romance with a happily ever after, you'll love PAWN, the 12th book in Tana Stone's sci-fi romance Barbarians of the Sand Planet series.