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 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
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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