Genre: Young Adult (Fractured Fairy Tale, Fantasy)
Date Published: December 21, 2015
Expected Republish Date: August 22, 2017
Publisher: Parliament House Publishing
Long ago in the kingdom of Tranen, a king makes a promise to his dying wife to remarry only a woman who possesses her same golden hair. With time, the wicked king finds his attentions are captured by his maturing daughter. With her father’s dastardly intentions at her door post, Princess Aurelia wards off his advances by requesting impossible gifts…. Dresses created by the sun, moon and stars and a coat made of a thousand furs.
By the hands of horrible magic, the king is successful and the dresses are delivered and Aurelia decides to sacrifice her privileged life. She escapes her kingdom, the only home she’s ever known, disguised with a cloak and a new name, “Allerleirauh.”
Aurelia enters the safe haven of the kingdom of Saarland der Licht, where she is taken under the care of the handsome and gentle Prince Klaus. Hoping to not be discovered by her father’s courtiers, Aurelia tries to remain hidden under her new false identity. Unexpected love is challenged between Aurelia and Prince Klaus with an approaching arranged marriage between the heir of Saarland der Licht and the neighboring ruler’s daughter. With danger and heartache hanging in the air, Aurelia must face the troubles of her past and her fears for the future in her journey of self-discovery.
Based on the Grimm Brothers’ Fairy Tale “Allerleirauh.”
“Have you forgotten your mother’s last wish? I promised her I would marry someone as beautiful as she. You're the only one who has the same golden hair, the same smile, the same beautiful eyes. You are the only one who will do, who I can love. The only one worthy of my love, my power, my body. You will be my bride,” he declared as he ran a finger through my hair.
My teeth clenched at his touch. The only thing keeping me in the room was the new plan wheeling through my mind. Perhaps it would be clever enough to save me from this fate. I could not live this life with him. I would rather die.
“If I am to marry you,” I began softly, letting out a deep breath. “I have four simple requests.”
My father grinned and nodded, “Go on…anything.”
It was clear he underestimated me by way of his confident sneer. The way he stared down his nose at me, he anticipated my requests to be silly and pedantic. I unclenched my white fingers and licked my bottom lip.
“For our marriage to be arranged, I will require new gowns. I request three. The first, made and spun from the rays of sunbeams. The second, silver and made from the full moon’s light. And the third, woven from the star dust that falls from the heavens.”
My father’s face contorted with question and he puffed himself up, but continued to listen.
“My last request,” I continued, “A fur coat made from all the kingdom’s wild animals, so when the harsh winters come, I can keep sickness and death at bay.”
I could feel my hands tremble from my trepidation. I couldn't believe I had actually made such ambitious demands—things truly impossible. What would the people think once they heard of the kind, my father, going to these magnificent lengths to marry me? Would they think I was a harlot? Would they think I encouraged my father’s behavior? My stomach knotted.
“And this is all you request from me?" he asked with his eyebrows lifted.
I could see the amusement light up his face. As my throat constricted, I slowly nodded to him.
Maybe this would actually work. Perhaps he would not see through my deceptiveness and agree. If he did, this would grant me more time to collect my chattels, arrange an escape from the palace, and move forward with my plans. I would never again be Princess Aurelia, but I would avoid a future most grim and contemptible.
My teeth clenched at his touch. The only thing keeping me in the room was the new plan wheeling through my mind. Perhaps it would be clever enough to save me from this fate. I could not live this life with him. I would rather die.
“If I am to marry you,” I began softly, letting out a deep breath. “I have four simple requests.”
My father grinned and nodded, “Go on…anything.”
It was clear he underestimated me by way of his confident sneer. The way he stared down his nose at me, he anticipated my requests to be silly and pedantic. I unclenched my white fingers and licked my bottom lip.
“For our marriage to be arranged, I will require new gowns. I request three. The first, made and spun from the rays of sunbeams. The second, silver and made from the full moon’s light. And the third, woven from the star dust that falls from the heavens.”
My father’s face contorted with question and he puffed himself up, but continued to listen.
“My last request,” I continued, “A fur coat made from all the kingdom’s wild animals, so when the harsh winters come, I can keep sickness and death at bay.”
I could feel my hands tremble from my trepidation. I couldn't believe I had actually made such ambitious demands—things truly impossible. What would the people think once they heard of the kind, my father, going to these magnificent lengths to marry me? Would they think I was a harlot? Would they think I encouraged my father’s behavior? My stomach knotted.
“And this is all you request from me?" he asked with his eyebrows lifted.
I could see the amusement light up his face. As my throat constricted, I slowly nodded to him.
Maybe this would actually work. Perhaps he would not see through my deceptiveness and agree. If he did, this would grant me more time to collect my chattels, arrange an escape from the palace, and move forward with my plans. I would never again be Princess Aurelia, but I would avoid a future most grim and contemptible.
Writing novels for Chantal has become a life-long dream come true!
When she’s not writing a book, she enjoys painting, drinking lots of DD Carmel Mocha Iced Coffee, and watching Disney classics. Chantal lives in Muncy, Pennsylvania with her Mom, Sister and furry-‘brother’ (aka, puppy) Taran.
To learn more about Chantal Gadoury and her books, visit her website.You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Sign up for her newsletter too!
Thank you so much for featuring me on your blog today!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It was fun! The cover is gorgeous!
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