A Distant Tomorrow

A Distant Tomorrow
Bertrice Small

From one of the original masters of romance, New York Times bestselling author Bertrice Small invites you into the magical, sensual World of Hetar.The time of peace is over. After the murder of her husband, Lara –half-faerie, half-human – must leave the home she has made in the Outlands and follow the destiny that has long called her. Using her brilliant sword and even sharper mind, Lara must journey toward the coast, seeking alliances to protect the future of her land.But when treachery binds her once more in chains, the green-eyed beauty is taken far beyond the world she knows. Only there will she discover that destiny has a mind of its own – and that true passion knows no boundaries.

From one of the original masters of romance, New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Bertrice Small invites you back to the magical, sensual world of Hetar.

The time of peace is over. After the murder of her husband, Lara—half faerie, half human—must leave the home she has made in the Outlands and follow the destiny that has long called her. Using her brilliant sword and even sharper mind, Lara must journey toward the coast, seeking alliances to protect the future of her land. But when treachery binds her once more in chains, the green-eyed beauty is taken far beyond the world she knows. Only there will she discover that destiny has a mind of its own—and that true passion knows no boundaries.

Praise for the World of Hetar series and

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author

“Readers who enjoyed the first in [this] new series will devour Lara’s latest adventure.”

—Booklist on A Distant Tomorrow

“Small’s newest novel is a sexily fantastical romp.”

—Publishers Weekly on The Sorceress of Belmair

“Rich in colorful characters, brimming over with Small’s unique sense of erotic passion and a plot filled with mystery, the fourth title in the series is another masterpiece.”

—RT Book Reviews on The Sorceress of Belmair, Top Pick

“Small is not only a queen of erotic/adventure historicals, with the fifth book in the World of Hetar series, she is a grand mistress of erotic fantasy… With this newest story, the author demonstrates that we can ‘have it all.’”

—RT Book Reviews on The Shadow Queen, Top Pick

“The final volume in the World of Hetar delivers a fantasy lover’s delight.”

—RT Book Reviews on Crown of Destiny

A Distant Tomorrow

Bertrice Small

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

For Tom and Megan with love from Ma

THE PROPHECY

From the darkness came a maiden.

From the golden light came a warrior.

From a distant tomorrow will come

Hetar’s true destiny.

Contents

Prologue (#u8dd54f28-9c5e-57d4-a359-eb7b2efcb372)

Chapter 1 (#u3478723a-b8a7-5520-9f7e-9e1edb02b8a5)

Chapter 2 (#ua3c6fcd4-2e1f-5f31-b1e9-41e24c4964a5)

Chapter 3 (#ufb76d6a9-2356-56d2-a1c0-cee2ea58a15c)

Chapter 4 (#uf333ea90-520d-5c6a-89e4-7a0f27901882)

Chapter 5 (#u4ee4ac71-4759-57da-957d-b1b221a9f8e5)

Chapter 6 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 7 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 8 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 9 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 10 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 11 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 12 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 13 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 14 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 15 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 16 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 17 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 18 (#litres_trial_promo)

Prologue

VARTAN, LORD OF THE FIACRE and head of the Outlands High Council was dead. Treacherously slain in his own hall by his jealous younger brother, Adon, who coveted the lordship.

“Now I am the ruler over the Fiacre!” Adon boldly declared, his gaze sweeping the hall. “My brother was a weak fool, but I am not.”

Adon’s wife, Elin, smiled by his side, proud to have encouraged her mate to murder.

The lady Bera, mother of the brothers, fell to her knees cradling her firstborn, glassy-eyed with shock as she stared at the blood staining Vartan’s tunic. She began to wail her mourning. But Vartan’s wife, the half-faerie woman, Lara, called silently to her sword. Andraste flew from its place above the great hearth and into her waiting hand. Her fingers closed about the sword’s hilt, and the weapon began to sing in its deep voice a song of death.