JL Merrow

In this fairytale inspired by a classic children’s story, weaver’s daughter Adrien is tired of turning down marriage proposals. So she disguises herself as a boy and sets out on a journey of discovery, accompanied only by her faithful piglet Ferkel. Rescuing a young monk named Felix from brigands, Adrien agrees to act as bodyguard on his journey to the King’s castle to present the princess with a telescope.<br><br>The lovely Princess Selene has also had more than her fair share of suitors, but she refuses to marry until someone gives her the moon. Felix’s telescope could grant her heart’s desire, but it’s Adrien who finds herself in love with the lively, beautiful princess.<br><br>Astonished to find Selene loves her in return, Adrien’s joy is short-lived. Surely Selene’s love will die when Adrien reveals her true gender? And in any case, two women cannot be married -- can they?

Capture the Moon

“Not magic, but science, good Adrien. It is the science of Opticks, of which I am proud to call myself not the least of students.” Felix preened, and Adrien smiled to see his innocent joy in his own accomplishment. “I have built this instrument, which I call a telescope, with my own hands. I have spent long hours closeted in my monastery cell deciphering ancient texts from Araby and grinding lenses of glass to fix into this tube.”


And Adrien could well believe it, for truly he had the look of a man not overexposed to fresh air and sunlight in recent years. So far, in fact, was he from looking as though he took regular exercise, it seemed as though a sudden breeze might snap him in two.


Chapter 5