The Castle on the Hill Ch. 02

"Are you alive in that pond, or do I need to notify the authorities?"

The abruptness caused her a split moment of panic that made her sink under an splash around wildly for a moment. Once she caught her bearings she began treading in the water. She looked around until she saw the source of the voice and was taken aback, he was a tall man in a perfectly tailored suit, it's dark black coloring showed the gracefulness of his porcelain skin and the contours of the suit highlighted his muscled form. She couldn't see his face due to his distance and the hat covering his face.

"Maybe you should notify the authorities of the trespasser standing in front of me." she replied.

"Oh, are you the owner of this property miss?"

"No." she scowled.

"Then how do you know that I'm trespassing?" he remarked snidely.

"How do I know you're not?" she sassed back.

He took off his hat and tipped it to her showing of his in black locks in the process. "Isn't the business suit enough of an indicator?"

She laughed, "Anyone can buy a costume,"

He clutched his heart in fake offense, "I'll have you know this is a bonafide suit my dear I'll even let you inspect it, if you show me where the residence is."

"My mother always taught me not to lead strange boys to my home." she responded coyly feeling safe in the pond.

"Well, if the walks long enough I'll turn myself into an acquaintance at least."

Intrigued, Namisa decided to take the stranger up on his offer. She swam to the edge and wrapped herself in a towel and finally got close enough to see his face, his sapphire eyes were sparkling with victory, his full lips spread into a smirk.

"Don't get ahead of yourself, I could always lead you the wrong way." She chided.

"Maybe, but I think you're too good to pull such a dirty trick." he stated.

She turned her nose up at him, "You don't know me!"

"No," he conceded, "But I'm about to."

Taken aback by his cool arrogance "Actually, I'm about to get to know you, and before we take a single step I need to know the name of the man I'm about to guide."

"My name Is Damien Alagona the third, Nice to meet you."

"Stranger until further notice," She reminded him, and motioned out in front of her "Shall we begin?"

He gave her a curt bow, "Whenever you're ready."

They began their walk as she asked her first question, "Tell me, what is the information on your driver's license?"

He raised an eyebrow at her but knew better than to question, "Damien Benedict Alagona the third, age 31, height 6' 2.5" weight 220. Must I also tell you my hair and eye color?"

"I can use the same deductive skills I'm using to decide whether or not I'm going to show you the way to my home to figure those details out." She huffed

He let out a mighty laugh then, "I promise to be on my best behaviour, what is your next question?"

"What are your hobbies?"

"Any normal man's hobbies, I play sports to exercise my mind and my body. I read books, I go on walks with mysterious women."

She shot him a weary glare, "Flirtations do not give you an edge sir, please keep that for the other women I'm sure fall at your feet."

"So you think I can get other maidens?" he smiled at her.

Namisa ignored the bait and looked off into the distance enjoying the freedom of the land. A warm silence wrapped around them for a minute before she asked her next question.

"What kind of books do you read?"

"The kind of books all people read: adventure, history, epics, poetry, anything that let's me escape my life and dawn a new face."

Intrigued by his answer she asked a follow up, "What are you escaping from?"

He looked up at the sky for a moment letting the sun warm his face and cast shadows from his sharp cheekbones that made him seem stronger and slightly weary.

"What everyone wants to escape from time to time dear, life."

"What do you do?" she prodded.

"In what regard." he asked.

She sighed, "What occupation do you have that makes you want to escape."

He scoffed, "What makes you think that it's my job that makes me want to escape?"

"Easy, you live here." she explained as she gestured to the land around them, the clear sky and flowing fields created a scene even Monet couldn't capture.

He gave a slow nod and contemplated his response, "You're right.," he said "This place can be gorgeous, I'm a businessman."

"I knew that, I would like for you to elaborate."

"I would if I could but, I even confuse myself when I do. I could be described as a jack of all trades. I dabble in security, education, sales, transportation, wherever there's a need I'll stick my two cents into it."

Namisa stared up to him frustrated by his non-answers, "How do you find time to even have hobbies if you do so many things?"

He met her gaze and gave her a dazzling smile,"I said I'm a businessman, not a business lackey." he replied smoothly.

The confidence and power in his voice left her speechless, surely if she was of a lighter skin tone she might have blushed as well. She decided that she had talked to him enough, they continued on their walk in silence. Once the home was in view Namisa saw that there were black cars in front, before she could speak out about her confusion. Damien spoke first, "It seems, that my workers have made it here before me."

Then it dawned on her, who Damien really was she turned to yell at him but he cut her off once more.

"It seems as if I didn't quite answer your first question, I forgot to mention my address, it's 435 Monarch Court, also known to most of the villagers as the castle on the hill."

Namisa was so angry she couldn't even speak she just stuck her nose up at him and continued to the house leaving him behind.

As soon as she walked in the house she saw Mama May, Papa Craig and all the business lackeys lounging about in the family room making tea. Jeffery, who was now in a fine tailored suit with his hair slicked back was the first to notice her. He got up immediately and went straight to her and bowed, "I told you, that you would be found. I'm sorry for the abruptness and the lack of the," He looked up and paused "Oh hey boss."

"Jeffery, I told you I wasn't going to be late, I just needed to go pick up the last person for our negotiation."

She spun around towards him, "What do you mean negotiation?" she seethed.

"The negotiation for you to come and work for me."

Namisa held a hand to her mouth to suppress her laughter, "I highly doubt that we can come to terms on that Mr. Alagona. But I will not stop you from trying."

With that she left them both behind and sat at the table next to Mama May. Damien followed her with Jeffery right behind him. They sat across from Namisa's host family. The duality was almost humorous the poor farmers sitting across the high rolling business men.

"I am sorry to intrude upon your family home for business deals, so I will make my offer and you can either refuse or accept it. I will leave immediately after, leaving just enough time for you to have a peaceful dinner."

Namisa Crossed her arms, I can assure you that any offer you make, will not buy me."

"I'm not a slave driver I don't want you, I want your teaching skills."

"This is not the way most gentlemen go about hiring workers."

"Good thing I'm a businessman."

Namisa was prepared to stand up and lecture Damien on his abhorrent behavior, but she felt Mama May's hand on her leg urging her to calm down. The look in her eyes made her realize that she owed everything she now had to her and that even if she hated Damien, she could at least be polite enough to listen to what he had to say before she brushed him off. She leaned back into her chair and took a deep breath.

"So Let me hear your offer then 'Mr. Businessman'." She mocked.

The quick smirk she saw unsettled her, but she knew he couldn't win. He snapped his fingers and a lackey placed a contract in his hand. Damien Pulled out a pen from his suit jacket and placed them both in front of Namisa, "The deal is as follows: you will be the private governess for Bethany Alagona, my ward, until her 18th birthday and then her personal advisor until she is married. You will live with her at the castle until her wedding day, you will have all your expenses cared for by the estate and a monthly allowance of eight thousand dollars a month, that will be adjusted for inflation, and for you recompence for leaving the Silas family I shall grant them 4 extra workers that I'll pay the salaries for, a governess for their son Jethro and a full ride to university when he turns eighteen, and access to the newest farming equipment."

Namisa was stunned she was so ready to turn down any offer that was presented to her but this was to her family. She didn't want to look at their faces because she already knew what she was going to see. Mama May would be fighting back tears, trying to let her decide for herself, and Papa Craig would sit in silence thinking how much easier his life could be and how much more he could provide for his family. That phrase stuck with her, his family, she was only a guest in their home. She wasn't really a part of their family. And this, this deal was the shining light to their struggles a chance to give them a brighter future. She wouldn't dare be selfish enough to refuse them the same gift they had given her. She took a deep sigh and looked up to Damien. He was so still and professional, but she knew otherwise and she saw the glint of triumph in his eyes. It almost made her refuse him out of spite, almost.

"I accept those terms." she said.

He leaned forward and gave her a sly smile and handed her the pen, "Then would you please sign on the dotted line."

She snatched the pen out of his hand and signed her name without breaking eye contact.

"I'm ready to work Mr. Algona, I hope your ready."

Namisa couldn't sleep in the car ride to the castle. She kept thinking about the goodbye, how thankful Mama May and Papa Craig were and how they said she didn't have to go, how they loved her. But that only solidified her reason to leave. They were so giving and accepting that she had no choice but to leave, they deserved so much more than they had. They made her swear that she would come back to visit but she knew they were empty promises, she couldn't afford it, to see her old home, and family, seeing her sacrifice helping them, the toll would be too great in her heart. She heard someone clear their throat and she blinked back her tears, remembering where she was, in the back of the limo with Damien and Jeffery.

Their age differences were so apparent to her. Jeffery uncomfortable with the silence unable to keep himself from fidgeting or doing something. Damien relaxed, content, legs crossed and arm resting on the window rest as he gazed out. He looked like a king on his throne. The thought that these two worked so close together was baffling, and caused her to shake her head a snicker a little bit.

Jeffery misconstrued it as fear and began to try and comfort her."You will definitely like your new position at the castle. It's very beautiful and Miss Bethany," He paused searching for the right word, "well, Miss Bethany sure is a treat."

"I'm surprised you can speak so well of her she seems to be the devil incarnate whenever she's with you." She responded.

Jeffery's eyes widened and he looked to his boss. A slow smile crossed Damien's lips and he turned away from the window to join the conversation.

"I suppose that is the way it must seem to an outsider." He responded coolly.

"Is there any other point of view? Let me rephrase that; is there a more accurate point of view?"

Namisa could see Jeffery sink into the seat in trepidation, but neither of them paid him any mind. She needed to show her new boss that he may be in control of her job, but not of her.

"There is the correct point of view that, young Jeffery is the caretaker of Bethany, and he is to ensure her physical and emotional well being."

"Isn't he a little young for such a heavy role?"

"I'm sixteen miss, I think that is old enough." Jeffery interjected, earning a quick side eye from Damien that put him right back in his crouching position.

"Jeffery here is only young in age, he is well trained in all aspects necessary in taking care of Bethany."

"Except in educating her of course." She chided.

"Well, no one is perfect, and as you said he is a little young,"

"But only in this regard," She jabbed.

Damien only gave her a gruff nod in response. She looked at Jeffery. "And where do you get your education, young sir?"

Namisa noticed the sudden steeling of Jeffery's attitude. "From the most intelligent man I've ever known."

"And who might this genuis be, if you're not opposed to my inquiry?"

"Not at all, it's our boss, Mr. Alagona." He beamed.

The pride in his voice took her off guard, "And what exactly makes him so wise?" She asked.

"You are very inquisitive for someone who speaks so little of herself." Damien Interjected.

"Would you blame me?" Namisa snapped.

"I would blame you a little less if we knew your name."

"I suppose you know all of your workers names?"

"At least that, and those who live and work in my home I know even more. So how do you expect me to let you in my home when you are a stranger to me?"

Namisa prickled up at the same tactic she used on him earlier. "Why would you hire a stranger?"

"You came highly recommended." he glanced at a slightly blushing jeffery.

"Then, I guess you have no choice but to take me in as an unknown guest."

"No I don't, you see all teachers must work towards tenure and until that is reached they can be fired their contracts taken as null and void."

The underlying threat was clearly communicated, it left them both in a standstill, but everyone knew who was going to cave.

"So what would you like to know."

"How about what's on your driver's license?"

"Namisa Makuta Kamara. Height five feet seven inches, weight one hundred and sixty five, age twenty four, address the same as yours."

"I don't think I signed up for such sass."

"You didn't read the fine print then."

Namisa waited for the anger expected it even, but instead she got a genuine laugh out from both Damien and Jeffery, despite wanting to keep her cold face she also cracked a smile and laughed.

"You have me there," Replied Damien as he leaned back into his seat and resumed looking out the window.

The rest of the ride was done in a less hostile silence. Namisa looked out the window and held in a gasp as she saw the castle for the first time up close. It was a large stone masterpiece with towers and turrets trying to pierce the sky, and a wrought iron gate whose design deserved to be in its own museum.

She took a quick glance to the others to see their nonchalant reactions to entering such a fortress, but then again it was where they lived. As the limo parked in front of the main entrance Namisa was the first to try to get out, she felt a hand on her back, and before she could remember who was behind her, she flinched. She rushed out of the car and stood next to the driver praying that he didn't notice. She looked down at the ground demurely hoping that he would not look at her. She didn't see the scrutinizing look in his eye or the struggle of how to approach her or hear the sad sigh of resignation. She only saw the ground and prayed that it was all over.

After what felt like eternity to her Damien finally spoke, "Jeffery, please show Ms. Kamara to her new living quarters and at five o'clock please bring her to dinner."

Namisa looked up to him, she was greeted by the first soft look she had ever seen on his face. She wanted to be angry at him for it but she couldn't, the softness didn't hold the pity she was used to. It held something warm. She couldn't quite place it maybe understanding? acceptance? Namisa disregarded the thought. She gave him a quick bow, and turned to Jeffery.

"After you." She told him.

She followed quickly behind Jeffrey trying to absorb all the aspects of the castle. It was surprisingly open and cozy for a castle all the windows were open. Portraits of who she assumed were of residents past and picturesque landscapes filled the walls and beautiful flowers and plants were placed everywhere making her feel like she was still outside. The vibe had her more relaxed than she assumed she'd be. As she made it to her room she was greeted with a fresh scent of lilacs. Jeffery opened the door and to her at least it seemed like a portal to paradise. The room felt open and beautiful due to the high ceilings the light cream color.

Namisa almost wept at the sheer amount of luxury in the room, it reminded her of home. No, she shook her head vigorously, that hell was not home, it was her past. And as she laid down in her bed feeling as though she was on a summer cloud, she fell into a deep slumber. Her dreams filled with possibilities of a safe future.

Damien watched her go and cursed under his breathe. He didn't want anymore sob stories in his house, there were already enough to fill a Dicken's novel. He walked to his office, thinking about the best way to approach her, he wanted to understand who she was exactly and if she was more trouble than she was worth. The answer to the latter question was already apparent, she was worth a lot, from her few minutes with Bethany, Namisa calmed her down more than any governess ever could. The memory of Bethany bounding into his office earlier that day, brought a smile to his face, her big brown eyes filled with determination and an unknown puppy held snugly in her arms.

"Uncle, I want to learn how to be a princess!" she barked.

Damien could barely keep a look of surprise off his face. Bethany had avoided any instruction, and tortured the governess any time she tried to teach her the most recent involving a pouring jar of honey on the poor governess' head while they were outside in the garden. Even if it was about being a princess it was remarkable that she wanted to learn something.

"Did you ask your governess for some lessons?" he asked calmly.

"I don't want her" she sighed, as if he asked a ridiculous question "I want the princess from the village to teach me, she's an expert."

"How do you know she's a princess?" his interest was piqued.

"She told me so! Plus she's really pretty and smart so she must be a great princess!"

Not wanting her excitement for any type of schooling to fade, Damien agreed to get her the princess teacher. He found her easily enough not many people move into the town. And what a find she was, she was definitely pretty to say the least. When Damien saw her come out of the water, it took a lot for him to keep his composure. The sun glistened off her wet coffee skin. Her body was seductive, with ample breasts and a soft waistline that flared into wide hips. The way her hair hair swayed it reminded him of medusa, for she made him rock hard on the spot. And when they talked her wit kept him on his toes, and it had been a while since he had such banter in conversation, too many discussions of numbers and blunt deals, she was refreshing to Damien.

He got to his desk and sank into his chair. He needed to keep her, Bethany needed someone to guide her better than he could, his guilt kept him from being strict enough for her energetic and explorative disposition. Also he was limited in the knowledge most important to her rearing. Even though he could read a libraries worth of information, Bethany needed someone who intimately understood what it meant to be a black woman and to teach her how to survive in this cruel world.

First he needed to find out what cruel world Namisa had left behind, and if it would come back to haunt her. He couldn't use his normal interrogation tactics for that would scare her, he needed to be safe, friendly but not to much so or he might try to seduce her and ruin everything. Damien knew that he could never touch her no matter how much he wanted to. Thinking about her sent a jolt of lust through him that he forced himself to ignore.Besides the fact that he was her boss, he couldn't be the kind of man she needed honorable stable. He sighed, at least he could protect her like everyone else in this castle. Sure of his next move he called Lars, he could find any skeleton no matter how deep they were buried, and he had dug up an entire graveyard of information for him already. Then he worked on his most pressing business matters for the week, and when he finished he got up and straightened his tie. It was time to formally address his newest houseguest.