Page 57 of Enchanted By a Pirate
Chris laughed and took her hand. Like a couple in love, they strolled onto the tween deck where a table was already set. A red velvet cloth covered the table with a burning candle in the center. A few pickled olives and peppers were waiting for them in a bowl.
When Anna saw the set table and appetizers, her stomach growled. She raised her eyebrows quizzically. "Only two chairs?"
"Aye, this evening is ours alone."
"And where do the men eat?"
"At least there's someone who cares about us." Jack strolled past the table and winked at her. "When you've had enough of him, I'll be happy to sit with you, Anemone."
"Your help is not needed here. Off to the poop deck with you!"
Anna laughed as Chris pulled the chair back for her, like a gentleman of the olden days. A happy sigh escaped her as she recalled the conversation with her friend Nele. Who would have believed that the supposedly extinct species of prince she was searching for would turn out to be a feared pirate captain?
She looked west, where the sea stretched endlessly. There was no ship in sight and the distant horizon was turning pink. What a romantic setting for their dinner together. Chris truly hadn't set her expectations too high.
He sat down across from her and shook out the napkin. "Everything to your liking, madam?"
"It is wonderful. Thank you so much."
A tender expression lit up his face, contrasting with his rugged appearance. "I would lay all the treasures of the world at your feet."
A faint blush crossed her cheeks and he grinned suggestively.
"Embarrassed again, madam?"
A laugh escaped her. "More like happy."
He looked at her lovingly. "Taste the olives. Johnny won't say how he makes them, but they're delicious." He handed her the bowl, and their fingers briefly touched. His steady gaze did the rest and Anna felt the heat filling her body. She tried two olives and her eyes widened — they were fantastic. Luckily, she wasn't full after the two morsels — she rather feared she would be.
"And?" Chris watched her. "Did I set your expectations too high?"
"They're incredible. I think I should sneak into the galley to watch Johnny cook."
"As a fairy, you might even succeed."
Anna nodded to herself, lost in thought. If she could transform, she would be able to do different things. Yes — if she could manage to transform, she would know that she could also save the fairies. What did she have to do? How would her magic return? She hoped the pirates would agree to sail with her to Meysandrine. And hopefully the siren's answer would be clearer than the one she had given Chris.
"What are you thinking about, love?"
"If only I knew how to assume fairy form. I am wondering how I can save the fairies if I can't even solve my own problems."
"Everything in time, Ani. We'll question Meysandrine…" When she tried to remind him that he hadn't consulted his crew about it yet, he waved her off. "If they see how much questioning the old siren means to you, they won't stop you. I don't know ifyou've noticed, madam, but I'm not the only one on board who adores you."
As if on cue, Johnny walked up to the table holding a tray with two plates, a carafe of rosé, and two glasses. He smiled at her and Anna sensed what the captain meant. The men didn't adore her the way Chris did, but they liked her. In a way, she was part of their family — otherwise, they wouldn't have defended her against Blackbeard and then treated her to a wonderful dinner afterward.
When Johnny placed everything in front of her with a subtle bow, Anna's mouth watered. He had prepared a salad for them. But not just any salad. Glazed raspberries were scattered across the leaves and the small tomatoes and pepper pieces appeared as if he had pickled them individually in herbs. Between the arugula and the lamb's lettuce were chunks of walnuts that glistened as if they too had received special treatment. That, plus the aroma of the dressing — sweet but also spicy — that wafted toward her, Anna was enchanted.
"It looks fantastic."
"Thank you, Anemone, enjoy." With another bow, as if he were not a feared pirate but rather the fine butler of a noble lord, he withdrew. The other crew members stayed in the background. A few had to be on deck — otherwise, the Fortuna would hardly stay on course — but none of them were to be seen or heard. It almost seemed as if the captain and she were the only ones on board. She glanced at him and saw the fire in his eyes. He had been watching her, her reaction to the food, and he had obviously noticed how comfortable she felt. He slowly leaned toward her and stroked the back of her hand with his thumb.
"Everything to your liking, madam?"
Her face broke into a wide grin that included her eyes. "It's like a fairytale."
The salad tasted incredibly delicious and Anna actually managed to eat the entire portion. Was it because of the appetite-stimulating herbs or the combination of berries and vegetables? Without a doubt, it was not only the tastiest but also the most sumptuous meal she had eaten in this magical land.
Chris was a perfect gentleman. He poured her more wine and gave her his undivided attention. They talked about this and that. He told her about his beginnings as a pirate, how he had overthrown the previous captain early on and assembled his own crew. Apparently, Johnny, Jack, and Freddy had been by his side ever since. They were more than just subordinate pirates. They were friends to him where a pirate captain would otherwise have none.
