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

At last—at long, long last—the minister pronounced them married. Selene and Adrien kissed, and the guests all sighed, some remembering their own wedding days whilst others dreamt of those yet to come.


The king rose and embraced them both. Then he fixed Adrien with a mock-stern glare. “Now, young man, will you tell me why you led us all on such a merry dance? For I see you now with my daughter, looking as happy as a man married to such a beauty should, and I cannot fathom why you should at first have refused her.”


Adrien looked at her wife, a question in her eyes. And those dark eyes seemed to answer, and so Adrien lifted her head proudly to the king. “There was a problem I thought insurmountable, and it took the insight of a princess to make me see that it was nothing of the kind. Sire, it grieves me that I have deceived you. I am a woman.”


Chapter 14