Read Encante for Free Online

he would argue, but instead he drew me away, leading me out of the bay and taking me to the cabin I had so scurrilously stolen from Reuben Williams.
    *
    “You’ll be truly tired of seafood by the time you return home, Mister Escher.”
    “I admit I’ve never before eaten a meal comprised entirely of seafood.” I smiled at Minerva Everett, a homely looking woman in clothing so fine it didn’t suit her. “But then,”—I eyed the dishes as they were cleared from the table by one of the encante serving us—“I can’t say I’ve ever so much as tasted shellfish before this evening, let alone eaten so much of it.”
    We were in a luxurious dining room, so expertly dressed that, had you told me I was in a room in a submersible, I would not have believed you.
    “I hope you’re enjoying your meal?” Drusilla smiled from the seat to my left, looking every inch as elegant and beautiful in a simple, corseted gown of deep burgundy, as Minerva looked uncomfortable and ungainly in her elaborately layered dress. From her attire when we first met, I’d taken Drusilla for a bit of a masher, but she seemed as comfortable in ladies’ clothes as she was in the clothing of a gentleman, so I was at a loss as to how to interpret her character, beyond the fact I found it captivating.
    “Very much so.” I returned her smile. “I always enjoy new cuisine. I met your chef earlier; I must say he’s remarkably talented.”
    I was uncomfortably aware of Captain Everett watching the conversation unfold between Drusilla and myself with intense interest. I had an awful suspicion he was aware of how utterly beautiful I found his niece. Drusilla blushed suddenly, for no apparent cause, and I averted my eyes, worried I’d offended her.
    “The encante have many gifts,” she said. “As you saw, they’re skilled in farming as well as cooking.” More food arrived and for a moment we were silent.
    “I noticed there were none working in the engine room or on the bridge, is that due to the language barrier?” To my right, Drusilla’s father snorted.
    “Barrier? They communicate very well when they wish to.” He sounded almost wistful. “Very well indeed.” Minerva’s demeanour tensed noticeably, and she glared at her husband.
    “Yes, I noticed you seemed to have a way to communicate earlier.” I glanced at Drusilla, who was taking a large sip of wine to cover a smile over her step-mother’s upset. There was clearly no love lost between them. “That clicking noise?” I asked, nodding at the girl spooning what appeared to be garlic buttered prawns onto my plate, feeling awfully rude speaking about them rather than asking them directly. “Perhaps you could teach me?”
    From the smile that lit Drusilla’s face you’d think I’d said something wonderful. “I’m afraid it’s not something easily taught.” She dabbed at herself delicately with a napkin. “Perhaps if you stay awhile I could teach you a little.”
    “He’ll be staying at least until we find what we’re looking for, I’ll wager.” Captain Everett suppressed a belch. Minerva shot her brother a disapproving glare, which was then redirected at Axel when her son dared to smirk. “He’s got the sea in his blood this one, Drew, you mark my words.”
    “He’d have had it in his lungs too, if Vee hadn’t found him when she did.” Drusilla’s father, Drew, shook his head. “You have to be nickey to get involved in our current adventure, son, to be sure, but hopping to other worlds on a whim with no knowing what you’re falling into? That takes some special something.”
    “Some special something stupid, Mister Drew, at least that’s what my CC would say.”
    If she knew , I added silently.
    “CC?” the captain demanded, perhaps a little too sharply.
    “Mister Escher’s sweetheart.” Axel helped himself to more wine as his mother frowned. I thought perhaps she objected to the notion of pre-marital romance, until I realised she was merely put out he had