The Heart of Betrayal

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by Mary E. Pearson


  Librarians and teachers. You shouted out and began immediately booktalking it to your patrons and students. One librarian even contemplated getting a claw and vine kavah on her shoulder. Maybe she has! All your enthusiasm helped me reach the finish line.

  I feel so lucky to be part of the Macmillan king- and queendom. Every single person on staff deserves a crown—and that’s about five thousand crowns. It doesn’t take just a village to make a book, but a whole dedicated city. Special thanks go to Jean Feiwel, Laura Godwin, Angus Killick, Elizabeth Fithian, Katie Fee, Caitlin Sweeny, Allison Verost, Ksenia Winnicki, Claire Taylor, Lucy Del Priore, Katie Halata, Ana Deboo, and Rachel Murray for your tremendous support. I lift a cup of thannis to you all! Sweetened, of course.

  The magic of Rich Deas and Anna Booth continues to entrance me, from gorgeous covers to title graphics to fonts that the font geek in me can swoon over. Their talent is staggering. Also, thanks to Keith Thompson, who made the world of the Remnant Chronicles come to life in a map that is too beautiful for words.

  I already mentioned her in the dedication, but she deserves accolades and more here too—my editor, Kate Farrell. We’ve been across the Cam Lanteux and back. I never would have made it without her. She guides me when I can no longer see the way—and she does it with patience, wisdom, and a smile. She is truly a rare gift.

  For support in myriad ways, I’m grateful to YA writers Marlene Perez, Melissa Wyatt, Alyson Noel, Robin LaFevers, and Cinda Williams Chima. Whether it was helping me find a word that escaped my clutches, a wrestling match with ideas, wise counseling, much-needed laughs, or helping to spread the word, I thank you deeply. Karen Beiswenger and Jessica Butler suffered through early drafts that sometimes had more blanks than words—and they always asked for more. Fearless. I owe you both.

  I am ever thankful to my friend, wise counselor, advocate, and agent, Rosemary Stimola. She never ceases to amaze me. She is balance, grace, and a bit of lion personified. (Okay, sometimes a lot of lion.)

  My family is the best—my rock and foundation—Jess, Dan, Karen, Ben, and Ava and Emily. They cheerlead and center me at all the right moments. I am the luckiest mom and ama in the world.

  Throughout the long days of writing this book, my husband, Dennis, fed me. Literally and figuratively. He was my prince and assassin rolled into one, protecting me and saving me from the ravages of hunger, fatigue, and sometimes slobbering dogs demanding dinner. He pulled up the slack and offered hugs and back massages. He continued to help out with the kissing logistics too. I think he wants this series to never end. Enade ra beto.

  Lia’s strength and determination didn’t come out of thin air. Besides all the strong women I work with, and those I have long admired from afar, I am blessed with so many in my personal life who awe and inspire me. Kathy, Susan, Donna, Jana, Nina, Roberta, Jan, and a multitude of others, hooking arms with you. Sisters in blood and spirit, you are my army.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Mary E. Pearson is the author of eight novels for teens, including The Kiss of Deception and the acclaimed Jenna Fox Chronicles. She writes full-time from her home in Carlsbad, California, where she lives with her husband. Visit her website at marypearson.com, or sign up for email updates here.

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  CONTENTS

  Title Page

  Copyright Notice

  Dedication

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Chapter 50

  Chapter 51

  Chapter 52

  Chapter 53

  Chapter 54

  Chapter 55

  Chapter 56

  Chapter 57

  Chapter 58

  Chapter 59

  Chapter 60

  Chapter 61

  Chapter 62

  Chapter 63

  Chapter 64

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Copyright

  Copyright © 2015 by Mary E. Pearson

  Henry Holt and Company, LLC

  Publishers since 1866

  Henry Holt® is a registered trademark of Henry Holt and Company, LLC.

  175 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10010

  macteenbooks.com

  All rights reserved.

  eBooks may be purchased for business or promotional use. For information on bulk purchases, please contact Macmillan Corporate and Premium Sales Department by writing to [email protected].

  The Library of Congress has cataloged the print edition as follows:

  Pearson, Mary (Mary E.)

  The heart of betrayal / Mary E. Pearson.—First edition.

  pages cm.—(The remnant chronicles; book 2)

  Summary: Held captive in the barbarian kingdom of Venda, Princess Lia and Rafe have little chance of escape—and even less of being together—as the foundations of Lia’s deeply-held beliefs crumble beneath her while she wrestles with her upbringing, her gift, and her very sense of self to make powerful choices that affect her country, her people, and her own destiny.

  ISBN 978-0-8050-9924-9 (hardback)—ISBN 978-1-62779-470-1 (e-book)

  [1. Fantasy. 2. Princesses—Fiction. 3. Love—Fiction.] I. Title.

  PZ7.P32316He 2015 [Fic]—dc23 2015000921

  First hardcover edition 2015

  eBook edition July 2015

  eISBN 9781627794701

 

 

 


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