Prince of the Sun, Princess of the Moon: Rulers of the Galaxy, #1

By M.R. Anglin

For years the Moon Palace in the Valley of Aijalon and the Sun Tower in the Plains of Jashar has stood as testaments to the power of the sun and the graciousness of the moon.  Helio and Lumina, Guardians of the sun and moon, kept watch over them and the Prince and the Princess who ruled them.  But the Prince and Princess are missing, and the sun is exhibiting strange behavior.

Now Joshua and his younger sister, Deborah, must untangle a web of lies and deceit to uncover the secret of who they really are and save their world from an imminent disaster brewing in the heavens.  And they must hurry.  Between the earthquakes, the sun and moon standing still in the sky, and the planet Jants hovering closer than it's ever been, the planet could be torn apart before they have a chance to do something about it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.R. Anglin
• Release date: Sep 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215403150

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Mr. Delango. Mrs. Blaine’s voice sliced through the air, jarring Joshua out of his thoughts.

He jumped to his feet. Yes, ma’am. All around him snickers erupted as each of his classmates stared at him. Joshua stifled a groan. Judging by their reaction, he had missed something important.

Perhaps you would like to elaborate on our topic? Mrs. Blaine motioned to the blackboard.

Joshua winced. He had been staring out of the window and had no idea what she had been talking about.

His best friend, Neil, shrugged. With his skin the complexion of milk and Joshua’s the complexion of chocolate, Neil always said together they were two halves of the best drink ever to have been invented.

But now he shook his head at Joshua. I tried to warn you, he mouthed.

Joshua cleared his throat. You are doing such a fantastic job at explaining this, Mrs. Blaine, I can’t elaborate. He punctuated the remark with a smile meant to charm her.

I think you can. Mrs. Blaine pointed to the board. Why don’t you come up and fill out this diagram?

Joshua bit back a comment and made his way to the front of the classroom. The walls were white, and though Mrs. Blaine had set a plastic, potted tree in the corner, there were no posters or papers on the walls . . . just a blackboard where Mrs. Blaine wrote her lessons . . . not at all like the other teachers’ classes with their motivational posters and charts plastered all over the walls.

No distractions for wayward thinking children, Mrs. Blaine had said the first time someone remarked on the lack of decoration.

Joshua took the chalk from her and approached the blackboard. Empty spaces in the diagram she had written mocked him, but the words, Planet/Celestial Body and Guardian were written in separate columns at the top. At least Joshua knew what she was talking about now—the solar system and its Guardians.

Fill it out. Mrs. Blaine smirked. Unless you aren’t smart enough to goof off in class and still retain the information.

Again his classmates snickered.

Joshua took a deep breath and studied the diagram. Then he raised his chalk and wrote:

Once finished, he faced Mrs. Blaine. Is that correct? He held out the chalk to her.

No one snickered now . . . well, except Neil. His face had surged red with the effort of stifling his laughter. To date, no one had bested Mrs. Blaine at her game to humiliate students who weren’t paying attention. In fact, Mrs. Blaine herself stared at the diagram Joshua had written with her mouth set. Her eyes narrowed. Go sit down.

Joshua shot a smile at her as he went.

See me after class, Mrs. Blaine said.

Joshua winced. One smart gesture too far.

The rest of you, commit this chart to memory. Mrs. Blaine tapped the blackboard. It will be on the test next week.

Dude, are you crazy? Neil leaned over to him as Joshua sat. Joshua had to bite back a smile. His friend acted like he had been the one called in after class. She’s going to hate you now.

Joshua shrugged. I’ve got more important things to worry about.

Like what? Neil whispered, copying the diagram.

Like . . . Joshua stared full into the sun. I think the sun is off by two minutes.

Neil paused in his writing. What?

The sun. Joshua glanced at Mrs. Blaine to make sure she wasn’t watching. It should be a little to the right. It’s in the wrong place.

Have you been moon-bathing or something? You’re as batty as a night-person.

Joshua scowled at his friend. Don’t say that.

But Neil went on, ignoring Joshua’s annoyance, or . . . more likely . . . not noticing it at all. The sun can’t be in the wrong place. It’s impossible.

Maybe. Joshua could overlook his friend’s oversight. After all, he didn’t know how offensive the saying was. But I’ve done the calculations over and over—

Done the calculations? Neil snickered. What do you know about calculations like those? There are smart people in the capital whose job it is to watch the sun. Don’t you think they would have said something if the sun was in the wrong place?

I guess . . . Joshua faced the front of the class where Mrs. Blaine continued her lesson. He wrote the diagram down, more to get his mind off of the nagging feeling in the back of his mind than because he needed to remember it. Neil was right; Joshua had to be wrong. After all, Helio, the Guardian of the sun, was the epitome of precision. The sun would never drift out of position on his watch.

Still . . . a feeling, like a stone sitting in his stomach, told Joshua something was amiss. He had seen the sun doing strange things before. The other day he thought he saw it flickering, and the day before he was certain its rays were less intense than they should have been.

Joshua swallowed the knot rising in his throat and resisted the urge to fiddle with the gold necklace he wore hidden under his shirt. If something was wrong with the sun, he had more than filling out diagrams and studying for tests to worry about.

They all did.

CHAPTER 2

Deborah pouted and rested her chin in her hands. She was sitting outside of the principal’s office . . . again . . . for falling asleep in class . . . again. It wasn’t like she wanted to fall asleep. The sun made her sleepy, and her desk was bathed in sunlight. But the worst part about being here was she was missing the one topic she had waited all year to learn about. All those years of sitting . . . all those boring classes she sloughed through . . . gone because she couldn’t keep her eyes open for a few more minutes.

What a rotten day. Deborah exhaled in a snort.

Deborah? What are you doing here?

Deborah lifted her eyes. Joshua, her brother, had stopped in front of her. She and Joshua shared the same brown skin and brown eyes. And, apparently, they shared the same knack for getting out of class, though she doubted he was in trouble like she was.

I could ask you the same thing, she said.

Joshua let his gym bag drop to the floor but held on to the strap. Why are you at the principal’s office?

Deborah averted her eyes. I fell asleep in class again.

You’re kidding me. Joshua ran both hands over his hair. He had just gotten a haircut, and she could see his scalp underneath his stubby, black hair. If he let it grow, he would have a mop of hair on top his head. Her hair, on the other hand, rested on her shoulders in soft, tight, black, kinky curls. She liked her hair . . . the way it stayed in place when she styled it; its roughish texture; how it shone in the sun. Deborah thought her hair was—

"Ow! Joshua’s smack jolted her back to reality. Don’t hit me." She kicked his shin in return.

I asked you a question. Joshua rubbed his shin. Didn’t you ask your teacher to move your seat out of the sun?

Deborah raised her nose in the air. She said she wasn’t about to give in to a student who couldn’t be bothered to make an attempt to learn, so I said I wasn’t about to learn from a teacher who can’t be bothered to make a simple adjustment. Come to think of it, that may be part of the reason she sent me here.

Joshua stared at her for a few moments and then bit his lip and closed his eyes. Deborah stifled a snicker. He always made that face when he was trying not to laugh.

Mom is going to kill you for this, he said, trying to hold back a smile. He failed.

It’s not my fault. Deborah slouched in her chair. I can’t sleep at night.

Joshua tapped his finger against the strap of his bag. Geez, I’m going to be so late. Here, watch my bag. He dumped it in the seat next to hers before knocking on the principal’s door. After waving through the window, he walked in, closing the door behind him.

Deborah sat back to wait. Her brother always knew what to say or do to get her out of the messes she found herself in. She swung her feet as she heard Joshua’s higher voice mingled with her principal’s, deeper, booming voice.

The door opened. Thank you, Mr. Karnton. I guarantee you this will solve the problem. Joshua closed the door behind him. Give this to your teacher. He gave her a note. If she doesn’t move your desk out of the sun, walk out of the class and get the principal.

How do you do it, Joshua? Deborah studied the note.

Joshua shrugged. You just have to learn what to say and how to say it. It’s a diplomatic technique. Auntie will teach you how to do it soon enough.

Sounds boring. Deborah’s eyes didn’t leave the note. I’d rather learn about the Moon Princess. But Auntie won’t tell me about her, even though I beg. She says Mom wants me to learn about it in school.

So what?

Don’t you think it’s weird? Deborah crossed her arms. They’re always trying to make us learn extra stuff—astronomy, politics, economics, personal relation skills, sociology—all sorts of things. But I can’t get two words about the Princess out of them.

Joshua swung his bag onto his shoulder without saying anything.

Today is the day we’re supposed to learn about her in class, but I’m missing it. Deborah let her shoulders slump.

Then let’s go. The sooner we get going, the sooner you get to learn about her.

If I don’t fall asleep first. Deborah studied the note again. How come you and I have to stay out of the sun?

You have to ask after the time you walked across the ball court?

Deborah slid out of the chair without a word. It had been the most embarrassing incident of her life. During a half-day of school, instead of staying in the shade and rounding the perimeter of the ball court like usual, Deborah decided to cut across it in full view of the noonday sun. She had collapsed before she got halfway across. Joshua had to carry her all the way home.

Deborah halted. Come to think of it, Joshua, you don’t seem to have a problem with the sun. I’m the only one in our whole family who has to keep out of it. Joshua hadn’t stopped, so Deborah jogged to catch up to him. What’s wrong with me?

Joshua patted her head. There’s nothing wrong with you, Deborah.

Then why am I so different? No one else falls asleep as soon as the sun hits them. And you and everyone else pass out as soon as the sun sets, but I can never sleep at night.

Deborah, we don’t have time for this. We both should be in class.

You’re avoiding the subject. Deborah narrowed her eyes at him.

No, I’m not.

As soon as the words came out of his mouth, Deborah’s vision blurred. A thin cloud passed between them, an indication he wasn’t being honest.

Liar.

Joshua winced. Ask Mom about it.

Fine. Don’t tell me. Nobody tells me anything. Deborah crossed her arms. They walked on in silence a moment, Deborah watching her brother. What are you doing out of class, anyway?

Mrs. Blaine asked me to stay after class for tea.

You? Mr. Goody-goody? What did you do?

I was watching the sun instead of listening to her lecture.

That’s not like you.

It was all stuff I knew, anyway. Joshua cracked his neck as he walked. Planets and Guardians’ names.

Weird they wait so long to teach us about them. Deborah passed through a shaft of sunlight. She yawned. Auntie made me learn it after my seventh birthday.

Joshua nudged her out of the path of another shaft of light. It’s not like it’s important information around here. He stole a glance out of the window as he passed. All these kids will need to know is how to shear elshep. His next words came out just above a whisper. It’s why this place is so good for us.

Deborah stopped in front of her classroom. Why do you say that?

Just remember to get your chair moved out of the sun. Joshua left without another word.

Deborah watched him go and walked into her classroom. The lesson Mrs. Nale was giving on Eschelion’s government was over. She took her seat but didn’t bother having it moved out of the sun. Since the government lecture was over, it didn’t matter to her if she fell asleep or not.

CHAPTER 3

One of these days, when Eschelion and its government were under proper control, Marcos was going to build a dungeon which didn’t drip and smell of mold—just for the novelty of it. No matter where he went or what country he visited, all dungeons were damp, dark, cold, and moldy. This one was no exception. Stone steps led from the Imperial Palace’s guard tower to this underground dungeon. As he descended the stairs, the sound of his military boots pounding the stone floor echoed back to him. He had to watch his step. Water seeped down from the surface through the rock, allowing green moss to grow over the ground and walls. It made walking an exercise in keeping his balance.

He reached the bottom of the stairs. The hallway ran straight before reaching a point where he could go either right or left. He chose the left way . . . toward the place where the driest cells were. This was where he kept the rebels.

Carter, a young lieutenant, trailed him while holding a lantern. His blonde hair was shaded orange by the lantern’s firelight. Dismal place.

It’s a dungeon, Carter. Marcos had to smile. Did you expect lamps and couches?

No, sir. Carter walked on in silence.

As they approached the occupied cells, murmurs of conversation reached them. If Marcos concentrated, he could make out what they were saying above the echoes, but he didn’t bother. He wasn’t here to eavesdrop.

Conversations dropped off the closer he came to the cells. They rounded a corner, and the rebels came into view. The hallway here was lit with lanterns which gave the dungeon an orange, flickering glow that illuminated every single one of the men and women Marcos had captured. Each one glowered at him as he passed.

He stopped in front of a cell containing a man with bushy, black hair. Good afternoon, Narto.

The man narrowed his eyes, causing his ample eyebrows to merge.

I see you are well today, Marcos said.

Narto sneered. I’ll be doing well when you’re in this cage instead of me. His statement was punctuated by raucous cheer from his companions.

Carter shifted his weight and reached for his gun.

Easy, Marcos whispered to Carter. He fixed his attention to Narto. I will endure your misguided insults all day, sir. All I need is for you to tell me where I might find the Scribe of Eschelion.

Even if I knew I wouldn’t tell you.

Come now, sir. Marcos gave his most charming yet condescending smile. Let’s not play games. I know she visited you mere days before I picked you up. You and I both know you know where she is.

Narto closed his mouth.

I’ll level with you. Marcos slumped against the bars. All I need from the Scribe is information on where to find the Prince and Princess. Once they are here, I’ll let you all go without hesitation. He gave a good-natured smile. We are not enemies here. Both of us are trying to bring them back to the Palace. So can’t you help me out?

I wouldn’t help you if you were the last maggot left on earth.

The rebels shouted in assent.

Marcos grabbed the bars, rattling them. Listen here, you stubborn old fool, we are running out of time, and I am running out of patience. If you don’t tell me where she is this instant, people— people you love—are going to die.

Are you threatening me?

I don’t need threats. Marcos smirked. You have a daughter, don’t you?

What do you know about my Cassie?

Cassie, is it? It would be tragic if your obstinacy were the cause of her death. And she will die, Narto. She and everyone you hold dear. Marcos leaned in closer to the bars. Don’t think you will escape the onslaught. Now, where is the Scribe?

Narto spat at him. Shove it.

I see. Marcos wiped the spittle out of his eyes. I’ll be back at the end of the week to give you one more chance to be more cooperative. After then, I can’t guarantee anyone’s safety . . . not yours and not little Cassie’s. Carter. He whirled around and marched back down the hall, amidst the jeering rebels.

A little dramatic, weren’t you, sir? Carter said, as he followed.

Perhaps a bit. Marcos straightened his uniform. I was trying to make a point.

I don’t think it worked.

Perhaps, if my goal was to get him to tell me where the Scribe was.

Wasn’t it, sir?

I planted a seed, Carter—one I am certain will make its way throughout the rebel network. Did you think I put all of them in this one area because I thought they would be lonely? Some of them will talk and let drop a hint or two. It was this strategy I used to gather information about today’s target.

Brilliant, sir.

Thank you. Marcos held his hands behind his back. Carter, there was another reason I wanted you to come down here with me today. I feel like you can take on a little more responsibility. Since you’ve seen how I garner information, I would like you to lead the raid today.

Me, sir?

You show exceptional promise.

Thank you, sir. Carter saluted. I won’t let you down.

No, I don’t think you will, Marcos said.

CHAPTER 4

Shielle wrapped her arms around herself as she wandered down the cave. The sound of her footsteps echoed over and over, making her heart thump with each sound. She shivered even though the cave’s heat made sweat bead on her forehead.

Get it together, girl. You have to do this. She gripped her hands together and inhaled so deeply her stomach expanded. After holding it a moment, she let the breath out in a sigh. It echoed off the cave walls and vibrated through the air.

Who goes? came a voice from toward the cave entrance.

Shielle’s jitters ebbed a bit. The voice belonged to Kato, the person she had come to see. It’s just me.

Kato appeared from around a corner. A short man in stature—his head came up to her chest—he held the title of the rebellion’s greatest leaders. My lady. He bowed with a flourish. I was expecting you to arrive at the front.

It’s best I’m not seen by more people than necessary. Shielle pulled her favorite elshep wool gloves from her hands.

Kato nodded at them. Rather warm for this weather, eh?

It’s cold where I’ve come from. Shielle removed the cloak she wore and held it over her arm.

It’s plenty warm here . . . a little too warm sometimes. But perhaps a welcome change from your hiding place, hm? Kato took her hand. "Allow me to escort you . . . ah! Your hands are like ice."

Shielle jerked her hand out of his grasp. Like I said, it’s cold where I’ve come from.

You’re trembling. Kato studied her face. I would never ask you to come to a place I thought was unsafe.

I’m sorry . . . it’s just . . . I don’t like being away from my research room. It’s hard for me to be out after . . . you know . . .

Kato nodded with a grunt. "The trollobag should be shot and his head mounted for what he did."

Shielle forced a laugh.

Are your sisters well? Kato asked, leading her to the front of the cave.

Yes.

And your niece and nephew? Joshua and Deborah, right?

They’re fine.

Kato gave her a side-long look. And . . . the Moon Princess and Sun Prince? Are they well?

Kato, I know what you are doing.

I am asking about the welfare of our country’s rightful rulers. Kato continued walking.

You know I am bound by law and tradition not to give away any information about the identities and locations of the next Sun Prince and Moon Princess until the ceremony has taken place. Shielle put a hand on his shoulder. Don’t ask me to break my oath.

At this rate the ceremony will never take place. The country is falling apart as we speak.

My first priority is keeping them safe. I will not let anything hinder my ability to do so. Shielle played with her fingers. Not again.

I apologize. I didn’t mean to—

"You said you have information on those mysterious animals. May I