I really wanted to revisit Klaus and Aurelia, and write an epilogue about the two of them.
I have below an exclusive, not-published epilogue involving the two characters. I hope everyone who reads the novel can come back to this and enjoy!
For those who can’t enjoy (or want to wait until they read the novel) I also enclosed my exclusive playlist of all the songs I used in writing “Allerleirauh.”
I was surprised to see Klaus kneeling in front of the fireplace, as I slowly entered his bed chamber. The wedding festivities had long since gone away with the ringing of the soft indication of hours; As Klaus and I parted in our dinner and dances, I escaped to my own bedroom where Mrs. Benson waited for me. She drew a warm bath for me, smiling every so often in my direction. I could not help but echo the same sentiments. Today was a beautiful, new day. As I sat in the large tub, I tried to gather my courage for the rest of the evening. But as my gaze fell upon Klaus’s face, I knew I had nothing to fear. Just as I had known as I walked towards him earlier in the cathedral.
“I had wondered if I should expect you tonight,” Klaus said with a grin and extended his hand out to me. “Or if I would have to seek you out myself.” I let out a shaky laugh and shook my head.
“Indeed not.”
“I had the servants bring some spiced chocolate,” Klaus gestured to the small arrangement on the floor, where I then took notice of blankets and pillows carefully placed to accommodate the both of us.
“Would you join me, my lovely wife?” I could not help the joyful flutter that filled my heart and stomach at his voice;wife.
“I wanted to know if you’d help me do something,” I asked softly, glancing at him for approval. Klaus tilted his head confused and nodded.
“Alright. What do you wish to do?”
It had been some time since I had last worn the cloak, and I knew I was ready to let go of my life in Tränen; all aspects of it. I did not want to live in the past, to remember my Father’s hands or cursed words. I knew I no longer needed to hide myself as ‘Allerleirauh,’ and I would never again need to hide beneath the coat of a thousand furs. I turned back towards the door, where I had servant waiting with the fur cloak in hand. With a grateful nod, I took the garment and dismissed them quietly.
Klaus’s eyes gazed at the cloak and then slowly up at me. “What would you like to do with this?”
“I would like to burn the cloak, Klaus. I don’t need it anymore. I have everything I could ever want with you. You’ve given me a new start, a new life. You…” I paused, biting my bottom lip. “You showed me a love I never thought possible. I know with you I shall never need to hide myself again.” Klaus’s expression softened and he smiled, nodding. His hands carefully took the garment, rising it up carefully between us as he looked at the cloak more closely. I could remember watching the hunters and servants bring in the pieces of fur, by the window with Myriah, fearing my fate. Little did I know the salvation I would find in Saarland der Licht, and the safety and friendship in the arms of the Prince.
“If it’s what you’d truly wish,” he murmured, nodding as he lowered the cloak. “We can do this together.” With a nod of agreement, I followed Klaus to the make-shift bed, and knelt beside the fireplace with him. He slipped the cloak of a thousand furs into my hands and pressed a soft kiss against my forehead. The hotness of the fire warmed my arms as I leaned closer, slowly lifting the heavy fur towards the logs Klaus must have just placed before I entered the room.
“We are more. We see each other as we are, as we are meant to be seen. Not as what the world wishes us to be…”Klaus’s words from the day in the forest resounded in my mind. I couldn’t stop myself from thinking of the first time at the lake with him; his charm and smile. Since the ball with my Father and the reveal of my secret, Klaus had greeted me with love every morning and tended to me with the same, every night. He would indulge me with nights in the library, small private dinners, and much laughter. I knew I would always love him. With a squeeze of my eyes, I tossed the bundle of furs onto the hot logs and watched as the flames licked and enveloped the coat. “You are more than what he’s done to you, love.” My gaze drifted back to Klaus, who watched along beside me; his jaw clenched as if he were deep in thought. After a long moment of watching the coat disappear into piles of ashes, his green eyes met mine again. Klaus lifted my hand, turning my palm upwards where he kissed my skin gently.
Title: Allerleirauh
Author: Chantal Gadoury
Genre: Fantasy Romance / Fairytale Retelling / Young Adult
Once Upon A Time…
A King makes a promise to his dying wife to marry only someone with her golden hair. The King finds his eyes are turned by his maturing daughter. Realizing her Father’s intentions, Princess Aurelia tries to trick her Father by requesting impossible gifts: Dresses created by the Sun, Moon and Stars and a Coat made of a Thousand furs. When she discovers his success, Aurelia decides to sacrifice her privileged life and escapes the Kingdom disguised in the cloak, and under a new name, “Allerleirauh.” Aurelia enters the Kingdom of Saarland der Licht where she is taken under the wing of the handsome Prince Klaus. Aurelia must face herself, her past and her fears in her journey of self discovery.
“Allerleirauh” is a Retelling of the Grimm Brothers’ Fairy Tale classic.
Chantal Gadoury is a young author who currently lives in Dover, Delaware with her two cats, Theo and Harper and her fiance, Robert. Originally from Muncy, PA, Chantal appreciates the beautiful mountains and enjoys visits back to see her family. She also loves anything Disney and has a reputation of beating anyone at a mean game of Disney trivia. When Chantal is not writing, she enjoys painting, watching British History Documentaries, drinking iced-coffee and spending time with loved ones. Chantal first started writing stories at the age of seven and continues on with that love of writing today. Graduating from Susquehanna University with a Creative Writing BA, writing novels has become a dream come true.
Chantal Gadoury is giving away an eBook copy (international) and a signed copy (US only) of the book.
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