Epilogue
The sound of the train’s impending arrival barely registered, as Aria listened to the old man’s tale, clinging to his every word.
“So did Princess and Erich live happily ever after? What about her brothers and father?” she asked, as the train pulled into the station.
“Princess’s father never again left his home after the death of his wife, Valentina. Some say he turned gaunt and grey overnight from the horrific experience of such an evil witch coming into his life.
In exchange for the loss of their own innocence, the six brothers took all of their many skills and applied to them to operating the Swan Club, once again entertaining by night the social elite, royalty, and dignitaries.”
“What about Princess and Erich?” Aria demanded.
The old man smiled then. “Princess and Erich lead a very happy life. Though some say, about every six weeks, a beautiful swan girl with an ethereal voice of an angel, appears on the stage at the Swan Club, and captivates an audience with her gifts of song and dance.”
Aria’s eyes sparkled beneath the dim lights of the station. “It is Princess!” she breathed. “I must now make it my mission to find the enchanted, secret Swan Club, and myself become a beautiful swan, just like Princess.”
She rose and lifted her battered suitcase with determination. She placed a few coins in the old man’s hand, as a show of thanks for giving her a new found purpose.
As she walked away, she heard the final words of the old man.
“There will be a price to pay, Aria. But the rewards far outweigh the cost. Do not be deterred. Instead, find your own happiness.”
About Natalie-Nicole Bates
Natalie-Nicole Bates is a book reviewer and author.
Her passions in life include books and hockey along with Victorian and Edwardian era photography and antique poison bottles. Natalie contributes her uncharacteristic love of hockey to being born in Russia.
She currently resides in the UK where she is working on her next book and adding to her collection of 19th century post-mortem photos.
Visit Natalie online at www.natalienicolebates.com
