Zeplin

Jan 16, 2026
Challenge 2
5 stories 5 authors 14 likes 149 avg. words

Prompt
Custom · Max 150 words
Prompt image for Zeplin

FOOL ME ONCE, MOON QUEEN

by Don Lee

146 words · 2 likes · Permalink

“He is on that ship,” she said.

“How can you be sure?” The cat beside her asked. “Your spies were wrong before.”

Queen Opelix of the Thousand Moons shook her head. “He’s been gone so long I’d expect him to look different. Or maybe it’s me.”

The cat’s tail twitched. “Your optimism is adorable.”

Opelix leaned down to soothe her pet. “You know I love you, too.”

The cat arched its back and purred. “Then forget that lunkhead.”

They both knew she could not. The wedding had been magnificent, citizens of 217 planets celebrating her union with Prince Tandor of Perelandra.

“Then he disappeared into the stars on your wedding night, and you became half the queen you were,” the cat said softly.

She watched the airship descend. “Tonight, I become whole again.”

But when the airship docked, the man who descended wasn't Tandor at all.

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