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The Castle on the Hill Ch. 01

By: makleon



The world seemed calm for once, Ana couldn't quite place what it was that made the world feel at peace for the first time in her adult life. Maybe it was the light fog that left dew drops on the unharvested wheat that seemed to go on for an eternity, or the clean air that was part of the soft morning sky. Or maybe it was the dirt road that showed her that she had arrived at place that was nothing like the one where she lived before. Either way this place seemed to be perfectly serene, and after all the running she had been doing Ana needed a calm place to stay.

She kept walking on the dirt path, looking for a place to rest. Instead, she found a beautiful pond, unsure of when she'd ever get the chance to bathe again she went straight to it. She took off her clothes and placed them with the rest of her meager belongings. Slowly, she walked into the water, relishing in its bone chilling quality, but soon she couldn't take the frigidness anymore and went completely under. The shock of going under so quickly caused flashes of the past to come to her: how the last time she was underwater she almost died, because of him, her tears and screams silenced by the pool he held her under. Suddenly, it was as if his hands were around her neck again squeezing harder and harder until she came out screaming, choking, crying, then remembering where she was she calmed down a little and took a deep breath. "I'm safe now" she told herself. She took a moment to let the truth sink in, once her breath became as still as the water she began cleansing her body of the dirt and the memories. When she finished she floated for a while taking in the calm she had yet to fully experience, she wasn't scared anymore. She knew that this place was what she was looking for. And now, resolved in her ability to have a fresh start she waded out of the water and sat down on her towel. She fiddled with her hair fixing the twists that were coming out while the sun dried her as she enjoyed the day. 

"See ma, I told you there was something out here, I heard it!" the sudden sound of people yanked Ana from her meditation and she struggled to dress herself before facing the voices. When she had the courage to look up she saw a young schoolboy and a woman who had to be his mother. Unable to meet her gaze due to the rising amount of embarrassment she looked down at the ground. "I'm so sorry, I had no idea this was your property, I meant no disrespect."

"Well, it was pretty foggy earlier. I guess a stranger wouldn't have known."

"Still I apologize."

The woman snorted, "Stop apologizing lil girl, you weren't stealing nothing were you?"

"Of Course not!" she Blurted out, she looked up at the woman to show her sincerity and was greeted with a smirk in return. 

"Seeing how skinny you are girlie I'm surprised."

Before Ana could protest her stomach decided to speak for her and all Ana could do was whimper as the mother and son duo laughed.

"It's fine honey, obviously you haven't had a good meal in a long time. Follow us we'll feed you"

Surprised by the offer Ana couldn't help but question. "But, you don't even know me?"

"We know you're starving and harmless there isn't much else I need to know"

Ana chuckled and gave a slight smile at the notion. "Thank you Mrs.-"

"Mama May, call me mama may errybody else does, and this" she said as she hugged her son close. "Is Jethro."

She looked up into the woman's eyes and saw a warmth and peace that seemed to embody the land. And for the first time in a long time she gave her true name. "Namisa, my name is Namisa.'

"Well come on Namisa, the food's starting to get cold by now."

And with that she picked up her things and followed the duo. The path they took was different from the original one she walked on. It was prettier, with flowers growing around wildly as if someone threw their seed in the air to see where they would land. farming animals and tools were spread throughout, like a painting she would have over her mantle. 

"Is there a fence around your property?" Namisa asked breaking the silence.

"Nope," mama May responded "we don't really need one, most of our animals are for company not cookin."

"But aren't you afraid they'll run away?"

Jethro stopped in his tracks and faced Namisa "We love em and treat em righ' there ain no reason for them to wanna leave." the authority in his voice, too old for his small body, caused the women to chuckle. His mother hugged him close.

"Righ you are son, righ you are." She moved her gave to Namisa. "You'll find out darn quick that we only let good people around these parts. Now come on the house is only a stones throw away."

Namisa had to use all her strength to keep back her tears. In that one moment she felt more protected that she did in her entire life back home. She was able to reign it all in by the time they made it to the house. The place was just as she expected small and cozy, flowers on the windows a sleeping puppy on the front step, just a painting she would stare at when she was little, she always thought these kind of places were imaginary never once did it cross her mind that it was just showing her what could be. As soon as they stepped in the door Jethro bolted away yelling for someone or something. Namisa followed Mama May into the kitchen, hoping to help her anyway she can. 

"Do you know your way around a kitchen girlie?"

She nodded vigorously.

"Good, cuz I'm getting a bit older and I refuse tuh let my age slow down when we eat. Come on."

Suddenly, they began hustling and bustling. Mama May gave her all the ingredients that needed chopping, dicing, and slicing while she ran around collecting pots pans and spices that Namisa haven't even seen before. Unable to begin to try and focus on what Mama may was doing without getting a headache, Namisa focused on what she was doing and the questions mama decided to throw at her. 

"So what brough' you tuh these parts girlie."

"Um, I just came upon it, the landscape here is almost indescribable."

"Haha it's always been that way, I swear that land is protected by something to keep it the way it is."

"I wouldn't doubt it. Have you lived here your whole life?"

"Aye, this a home been in my family generations. Couldn't imagine a livin anywhere else."

"I couldn't see why you would." Namisa sighed as she peeled some potatoes. They continued cooking breakfast. the conversations flowed filled with happy memories of the past and hopes for the future, she even began to help her actually prepare the food. Once they were done. They put the food on the plates and set out for the table.Right before they went towards the dining room Mama May stopped, she turned toward Namisa, "Before we sit down I needa know am I packing your dessert tuh go or are you stayin with us."

Namisa didn't have to think for a moment. "I'll help you serve it."

Mama May smiled and went to the dining table, Namisa followed ready to experience her first home cooked meal.

Namisa worked on the farm for three months integrating seamlessly with the family. She cooked with Mama May in the mornings and evenings, and during the day she taught Jethro all the school subjects, and helped him and Papa Craig fix up the home. She even adopted their last name Silas. Once the harvesting time had come Namisa decided to help Mama May sell food in the market. It was a calm job and it helped her meet more people of the village. It was slightly different from the farm but not really, the air of calm was around, so was selflessness. The buildings and roads were built of stone giving an air of a fortress. But she never paid it never mind. She just loved sitting in the booth with Mama May watching her haggle with the customers and completing the odd tasks that needed to be done. One day, one of the elderly customers forgot her coin purse and Mama May sent Namisa to go get it. On the way back she saw a stray puppy in the road, taking a nap. She chuckled at it and almost continued on until she noticed something in the distance. It was a carriage barreling down the street. Namisa freaked out she started yelling at the puppy trying to wake it. Realizing the futility she ran into the street and tried to flag them down, screaming at them to stop. But the carriage kept barreling towards them, in the final second Namisa realized the carriage wouldn't stop in time she picked up the puppy and dived out of the street. The horses freaked out at the sight of her and caused the carriage to halt as they whinnied in surprise. 

As Namisa began to unfurl from her fetal position on the ground, the carriage door burst open and to her surprise a little girl popped out. Her hair was in long plaits that went to her waist, her skin was like cinnamon applesauce with freckles sprinkled randomly across her face. She Looked around wildly until they landed on Namisa and the puppy. Her eyes opened as wide as a canyon her brown eyes showing her youthful wonder. "Jeffery," she squealed as she jumped out rushing towards her, "There's a puppy and a lady you almost ran over out here."

"Miss Bethany I would like to point out if you weren't trying to take the reigns from me I wouldn't have even come close to running them over, a distressed voice rang out from inside the carriage."

Bethany picked up the puppy from the ground and began to pet it. "Don't be silly Jeffery we both know that princesses should drive the carriage like they drive the country."

Startled Namisa finally spoke, "P-princess?" she stuttered, never in her entire time in the village did she hear of a ruler, let alone a princess.

Bethany looked at her quizzically for a moment, before focusing back on the puppy who started to whimper. "yeah, of course I am."

Then the voice from the carriage emerged. A scraggly teenage boy, with curls dancing on his head like a summer bonfire, his freckles more prolific than Bethany's. He was dressed in ragged clothes that reminded bethany of an orphaned beggar, "Miss Bethany you really shouldn't pick up strays off the street."

He started to walk towards her when he glanced at her for a second, then realizing what had happened, he rushed over to Namisa helping her pick herself off and brush some of the dirt off of her. "Are you ok?" he asked.

"Yes, I'm sorry I didn't realize I ran in front of a royal carriage." She said as she bowed.

The young man sighed as he shook his head. "Miss Bethany, isn't a princess." 

"Yes, I am!" Bethany pouted. 

Aggravated, Jeffery pushed his hands through his hair as if to rip it out. Picking up on the tension Namisa, went to the Bethany and kneeled down next to her. "What makes you a princess?" she asked in a sweet motherly voice.

Bethany gave her a huge smile in response. "Well, I live in the castle on the hill so obviously, I must be a princess."

Namisa smiled at her and stroked the mewling puppy, "Sweetheart trust me when I say, that there is more to being a princess than just living in a Castle."

"How do you know? Were taught to be a princess."

Namisa paused for a moment, reflecting on her past, " Not to be a princess, but something like it."

Not picking up on the twinge of sadness in her voice Bethany started jumping up and down. "Then you can teach me, I don't like my stuffy ol' teacher anyway."

Namisa laughed at bethany's sheer enthusiasm. I would love too honey but I'm already teaching another young man. Besides you don't want to make someone lose their job, it's not very princess like." 

"Fine," she said as she stomped her foot.

"Don't worry princess, it'll all work out, I promise."

Namisa smiled giddily at her, Bethany then turned Jeffery, "We gotta go back now."

He sighed, "Fine, are you bringing the puppy too?" she nodded vigorously, "As you wish miss Bethany, I'll be there in just a second."

As bethany bounded into the Carriage, Jeffery walked over to Namisa. he bowed to her before he spoke, "My sincerest apologies to what has occurred today, I will talk to my boss and you will be compensated for your trouble I assure you."

"Oh no, it's fine we're all okay, I just don't want any trouble."

He gave her an understanding nod, but he knew the truth, "Well until I see you again." he said as he bowed to her and began to return to the carriage.

"How are you so sure I'll see you again?" she asked confused. 

"Between Miss Bethany's will and my bosses moral code, fewer things are more certain than the fact that I will see you again." He closed the carriage door and they rode off down the street.

Namisa stood there bewildered for a moment, until she realized she still had the elderly woman's coin purse in her hand. She picked up her skirt and began running back to the marketplace. When she finally got there she was greeted by a very cross Mama May. 

"I'm so sorry," she blurted out as soon as she was in earshot.

"You were less that 15 minutes away what took you so long?" she reprimanded in return.

"A carriage from the castle on the hill almost ran me over today."

Mama May's face paled at that moment, she gave the elderly lady her coin purse and produce for free. She then pulled Namisa into the booth and put up the closed sign. 

"I want you to tell me everything that happened." she demanded.

Namisa recanted every detail of the story from the puppy to the promise of meeting the nameless boss. "I highly doubt the last bit is going to happen Mama, they don't even know my name and this is quite a large village."

Mama May let out a mighty roar of laughter, "Sweetheart this place may be big but it's ol' and you're new. He's goin tuh find you alright, and you're goin tuh get and you're goin to end up doing whatever he tells ya."

Namisa pulled back in anger, "I thought there wasn't a king in this place."

"There isn," Mama May began to explain but Namisa cut her off.

"Then I won't just do as he says, I have been pushed around too long to give up a life I love to be under the control of another belligerent bully. That is not the life I chose."

"He isn a bully child, but he is a very persuasive man, and tuh way he runs around this place, he might as well be king."

"I thought this place was different, I thought it was a haven, not a prison!" She screamed as she bolted up.

"When I told you we were protected by somethin, did you think that it was some magical pixie dust. It was an actual thin, a man. This man."

"I'm not a damsel, I can protect myself. I'll see you at home." She stormed off, leaving Mama May alone.

"You might be protected, but you are not strong my dear," she sighed.

Namisa went to the pond to clear her thoughts, she had meant to go back for a while, she even bought a swimsuit with some of the money she'd earned at the produce stand. She decided to go for a swim. she floated along letting the water cleanse her of her anger and help the pain of the past ebb away. She barely had gotten rid of the feeling of one man clasping over her. She had just stopped sleeping with the lights on, just barely stopped turning around in fear every time she heard a masculine voice, and waking up violently in the middle of the night because the memories of what he did to her would terrorize her dreams. Though sometimes she still felt the remnants like his boorish laughter whenever she was afraid. She wasn't going to allow another shadow be cast on her. Not when she was struggling to get rid of the first one. She abandoned the painful thoughts and began to focus once more on the pond, and the nature surrounding it. The light wind bristling through the willow trees and wheat fields, the midday sun caressing her skin, the calls of the birds and animals prancing through their day, it began to calm her and She started to drift into a daydream when a deep voice tore through her bliss.

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.



The Castle on the Hill Ch. 03



Namisa woke up from her nap feeling rejuvenated. As much as she loved living with Mama May it felt nice to be with some of the comforts she was used to. She looked around her room trying to get used to it, the high ceilings, her canopy bed draped with a lavender curtain. Suddenly, her personal bathroom caught her eye, as much as she loved the pond a hot bath would be heaven for her. She looked at the clock on her nightstand, 4 o'clock, plenty of time to take a bath before dinner. She rushed to the bathroom like a giddy school girl, excited to see how well stocked the bathroom was. She was not disappointed, with beautiful scented oils and salts, Namisa had the tools to create a paradise. She started the bath and began to think about her new life. What was she going to do? She would have to work for Mr. Alagona no matter what, she couldn't take away the blessings given to her host family, and Bethany seemed like a sweet girl, although she needed some serious disciplining. She mulled over how she would teach Bethany as she added some lavender oil and Jasmine bath salts. satisfied with her bath she stripped down and sunk in. The hot water made her body tingle, she hadn't felt this good in a long time. She also hadn't felt this safe.

Even though she hated the high handedness of his tactics, Mr. Algona did give her a more secure future. She could make more money than she ever would have on the farm. But his domineering personality made everything so hard to swallow. Frustrated, she sank deeper into the water. She hated how perfect the deal was for everyone giving her no way to negotiate or have any power. She felt just as she used to in her past, like a child's doll to be played with and thrown around at the will of the child. At least Damien was infinitely less cruel, he wouldn't hit her. She gazed at her even-toned skin soaking in the scent infused water, it had been four years since it looked this way, she always had some type of bruise or cut on her. 

She thought she was strong back then, for being able to take Trenton's abuse, in order to placate him and let the town think that the two best families were merging both their business and family to become a picture perfect powerhouse. Then that night happened, when he tried to drown her. She barely escaped and immediately went crying to her mother begging for help. 

"Stop being so combative child," she said coldly "I won't let you put me in the poor house because you can't stop being the sassy black woman." That's when she knew, she wasn't being strong but used, valued no more than her mothers louis vuittons. She refused to be walked all over anymore, so in the dead of night she packed her bare necessities and never looked back. 

"Never again" she murmured, the memories chilled her to the point where even the bath couldn't save her from shivering. She got out and wrapped herself in a towel and went to her vanity, to start getting ready for dinner. She looked at herself in the mirror, she felt like a stranger to herself, she still felt meek and useless. Trenton's mental abuse still left scars unlike his physical. 

"You will survive," she told herself needing to hear the words to force herself to move forward, "You won't be bullied anymore, you will be strong, kind, and you will be whole again." 

She leaned back in the chair determined to prove herself, between being Bethany's governess and defending herself against her smug boss, she was going to become the girl she used to be if not better. She nodded at her self in the mirror seeing some of the spark return in her dark brown eyes and finished getting ready for her first dinner in the castle.



Damien removed his tie, and unbuttoned his shirt a little as he walked from his office to Namisa's room, he wanted to seem more casual and approachable before he questioned her. He wanted her to feel safe, among other things. Before his thoughts could get to lustful he got interrupted

"Hey boss! I'm about to get Ms. Kamara now." Jefferey chimed. 

"Thank you but I don't need you to do that anymore. I would like to guide her there myself, so I can get to know our newest a little better." He said smoothly. He didn't want her to feel overwhelmed by the two of them. Even though Jefferey was still a teen his height nearly rivaled Damien's and his broad shoulders made him way more imposing. Damien needed her to feel comfortable with him and based on how he got her in his employment, he had a lot of obstacles in his path. 

Jefferey tilted his head in confusion "Then what you want me to do?" he asked.

"First, remember what I told you about keeping your emotional tells in check. Second go and get Bethany and prepare her for our new member."

Jefferey straightened his posture and cooled his features. "Yes sir" he gave a curt bow and turned and headed the opposite way.

Glad at the swiftness of his prodige, Damien focused back to his new task, getting Namisa to talk. He strode the final feet to her door and knocked. Soon the door flew open, and Damien's breath hitched. She was wearing a soft lavender dress that draped across her curves, it made Damien want to unwrap her faster than Charlie did his Wonka bar. He saw her straighten up which only made her breasts more pronounced.

"Last time I checked you weren't Jefferey." she said coldly enough to freeze his lust.

"You're right, I just thought we got off on the wrong foot, and I would like to take a minute to clear the air."

She eyed him suspiciously. "Fine." and she brushed past him into the hallway, she stood patiently waiting for him to show her the way.

Damien realized that was the best he was going to get and started walking towards the dining room, she was right beside him obviously waiting for him to talk first. "I'm sorry if I came of a little" he paused for the right word.

"Arrogant, high handed, smug, controlling?" she supplied.

"Yes, I was just really determined to have you become Bethany's governess, she is one of my top priorities."

"Above or below being a ruthless businessman?" she chided.

Damien chuckled a bit, maybe she wasn't as delicate as he first thought. "Honestly, above, though me being a ruthless businessman is what keeps her safe."

"Safe from what?" she asked with a tinge of fear in her voice.

"The world, it's a dangerous place don't you agree?"

She sighed and looked down at the carpet. "Yes, unfortunately."

"Does it hold any for you?"

Namisa fixed her posture obviously becoming defensive. "No more than anyone else."

"You and I both know that's not true."

"How would you know?"

He stopped and turned to her "Pretty women don't choose to travel alone." 

Damien could see her anger rising "And why is that?" she spat.

He leaned in closer to her, "Because we live in a world where its too acceptable to prey on women especially if they are pretty." 

Namisa frowned. "How sad is that."

"Has anyone ever preyed on you Namisa?" he asked softly.

Namisa stood still, her chocolate eyes peering deep into his soul, begging, but for what he didn't know. he stepped a little closer to her and she didn't back away, the scent of her invaded his nostrils, she smelled like a spring meadow. He imagined her lying in the tall grass her eyes filled with the same amount of passionate lust he had for her, screaming his name into the open air as he ate her out, he imagined her the taste of her orgasm on his tongue he licked his lips in anticipation Before he did something rash, a small voice rang through the hallway. 

"You came Miss. Namisa you actually came." she screamed as she bounded down the hallway. 

Namisa turned to the girl and got down on her knees to welcome the girl in a hug. "Yes well Mr. Algona does drive a hard bargain."

Thank you uncle! she beamed. " Come on I want you to sit down next to me!" She started pulling Namisa to the kitchen and Jefferey silently followed amused to see someone else being bossed around by Bethany besides himself. 

Damien let a harsh breath and ran his hand through his hair. He needed to calm down, she was his employee, she had secrets, secrets she was guarding. Though that didn't do anything to calm his erection. He needed to do better, Lars would find her secrets, and until then he would be detached and cold like the business man she thought he was. With his new strategy he followed them into the dining room.

Namisa was overwhelmed to say the least. Not only was Bethany asking her a million questions a second but, Damien hadn't spoken to her since Bethany interrupted them. Namisa shivered from the memory. He asked her so gently, he seemed so nurturing, safe. His eyes as cool as the ponds at midnight, then out of nowhere they changed into a raging sea of desire that engulfed his entire being and threaten to drown her. She never experienced such emotions from a man before. Her father was always distant and disinterested, and Trenton was alway exacting and professional, even before he showed his true colors.When he courted her he was mechanical doing things perfectly to standard. He never looked at her with desire or care only judgment and contempt. 

She looked at Damien, she wondered what kind of man he actually was. She had to keep her distance from him because not only did she need to be able to stand up to him but also to avoid the sexual tension they apparently had. The way he looked with his shirt slightly unbuttoned daring her to rip it all the way open and pull him on top of her, caused her to tingle. Namisa wasn't sworn off men, she knew not all were terrible, but she was in no position to be entertaining romantic thoughts, and Damien was not the kind of man she should be involved in. He was powerful dangerous and for some god forsaken reason sexy. 

"Miss Namisa! When will you start our lessons?" the little girl asked once again saving Namisa from an uncomfortable situation. 

She turned to the inquisitive girl " Tomorrow after Breakfast."

"Will Jefferey be there? I don't want him to because he can't learn how to be a princess" she said with a huff.

Namisa quirked an eyebrow "Why not?"

"He can't be royalty that's not why he's here!" she stated matter of factly.

"Now Bethany," Namisa started ready to reprimand the little girl for her rudeness.

"No Miss Namisa it's fine. She's right." Jefferey interrupted.

Confused, Namisa put down her utensils and turned to Jefferey. The boy was dressed like Damien, in a dark suit with his hair styled back to look professional, yet still a little edgy. He didn't seem like a normal teen to her. "Why are you here?"

He leaned back in his chair a cocky youthful grin stretched across his face. "To become a businessman."

Namisa cocked her head."Like Mr. Algona?"

"Exactly like him," he boasted excitedly, "I'm going to take over his business one day."

Unable to believe Jefferey she looked to Damien for confirmation. He only kept eating his steak, unperturbed. She looked back to Jefferey ready for a more in depth explanation. "But you're so young."

"It's what I've wanted to do since I was little. I remember seeing Mr. Algona on the streets when I was little he always looked so important."

"What were you doing in the street?" Namisa asked perplexed.

Jefferey's smile faltered. "Begging." He said quietly.

An uncomfortable silence settled over the room, the only sound was the knives tearing into steak and chewing. Though Namisa couldn't really taste the food, she was too focused on trying to understand the dynamics of the castle. A beggar was a babysitter for an apparent orphan. Something that seemed so unusual, not to mention the fact they had an enigmatic benefactor who housed them in a castle. Then there was herself a runaway hired as a governess. She shook her head this made such little sense to her, she needed actual black and white answers not this gray fog she's been thrust into. Resolute in her decision, she decided to confront him after dinner after everyone went to bed. 

Damien was drowned in figures, Not that they were particularly difficult, just that he couldn't focus on them long enough to get them done. He knew that having eat dinner together was a mistake, but he just wanted more time with Namisa. He didn't even pay attention the entire meal, he was too entranced by her. He kept imagining her on her back in front of him, eating his meal off her naked body, licking her clean and finding his sweet, sweet dessert between her smooth cocoa thighs. Damien realized that he was not going to get any work done that night and just leaned onto his desk. His need for Namisa just grew stronger and stronger everytime he saw her, he let out a sigh and rubbed his eyes. This wasn't like him, he was usually so calculated, and collected. Maybe he just hadn't been with a woman in months, silently he wished for someone to help with his lust. 

Soft knocks resonated through the room, Damien looked up to see that the devil himself decided to torment him tonight because Namisa was standing there, in that sexy dress. 

"We need to talked." she stated.

That worried him, was his lust for her so apparent that she needed to come and reprimand him? Or maybe a darker part of him thought, maybe to straddle his lap and ride him until she came screaming his name. He took a took a deep breath and banished those thoughts from his mind. He looked back up to her expecting eyes, quietly demanding his attention.

"About what?" he asked.

She came inside and stood next to him, trying to create an air of dominance. "About all of us."

"All 215 employees, how ambitious." He retorted.

She crossed her arms over her chest, and sneered, "You know what I mean, Jefferey and Bethany and you."

Damien kept his face emotionless. "Now why is this necessary?"

She shifted her weight and her expression got darker. "Because as of yesterday, I am officially her governess, and to understand her and her needs I need information. And unless this is some top secret government facility I highly doubt that this should be classified information."

Officially unamused, Damien stood up to Namisa, he looked down at her with a blank stare. "Such demanding words for someone who refuses to let me know anything about herself."

Namisa squared her shoulders and prepared to respond,but Damien kept speaking. "Don't not start with me you are in my home, in charge of my ward and you come into my study in the middle of the night with the audacity to demand information when I know nothing about you." He stepped closer to her forcing her to step back, Damien understood that he was overwhelming her but he was too frustrated to care. He followed her across the room. "I understand what it means to keep secrets, to have fears, but damn it I need something to work with Namisa."

Namisa backed into a bookcase causing a book to fall and hit his shoulder. As if to slap some sense into him. He looked into Namisa's eyes and saw the traces of fear. He sighed and massaged his temple. "Please I'm not being unreasonable, all I'm asking for some give and take."

"I don't even know you. Or why I'm here, who is that little girl I'm supposed to teach?" her voice barely reached a whisper.

Damien broke every negotiation rule he knew and told her what she wanted to know. "Her name is Bethany Aria Malone, the daughter of my old business partner and his wife. When she was 3 they died in a car accident and I have taken care of her ever since. She is a young spitfire that needs someone to guide her, I can't do that so I'm paying you to."

"Why can't you?" 

He leaned in closer to her, "I want to give her the world on a gilded platter. That obviously doesn't mesh well with firm child rearing now does it."

She shook her head. "And Jefferey? What is his story?"

Damien's shoulders sagged with the memories of the past. "I pitied the child, he was begging on the streets. I remember the day I decided to take him in, he was running down the street leaving bloody footprints because he knocked over some bottles of milk when he stole the bread from the baker. I followed him on a whim, it was easy enough. Then I found him holed up in an old cart and when he saw me he started crying, pleading for me not to take his bread, that it was his first meal in weeks. So I took him in."

Namisa rubbed his arm to give him comfort, Damien felt the warmth spread through his body and ease aches he didn't know he had. "You're a good man."

"Not that good" he mumbled.

"Well you're better than most men I've ever known."

"Is that the reason you're here? A man worse than me."

Her hand dropped from his arm and she hugged herself. She looked off into the distance when she replied, "I'm here for a lot of reasons." She looked back at him, "But the main reason is Bethany. I'll start teaching her tomorrow, sorry for interrupting you, good night."

He quirked an eyebrow "Are you not going to tell me anything about yourself?"

She turned to him and looked at him for a moment. Suddenly, she got on her toes and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Just that you have a penchant for taking in those who have nowhere to go, thank you." She turned and left the room. 

Alone Damien touched his cheek like a naive school boy. He didn't understand Namisa, but based on that confrontation he understood that she could have him wrapped around her little finger. 

Namisa was consumed in her own thoughts while she walked towards her bedroom. She was confused more than anything, and that was mostly because of Damien. What kind of man was he, some romance novel reject who came to save the world? She shook her head. No, he was just a nice guy with really strong paternal instincts, and arms. Namisa, had to restrain herself when she tried to comfort him in his study, the urge to keep touching him all over flared up in her like a forest fire during a drought, and her's has been two years strong. She didn't think that she still had those type of feelings, but the way he looked at her when she entered the room sent a jolt through her loins. 

She wondered what kind of lover he'd be? would he be gentle and lay her down on her sheets kissing her slowly making her wetter and wetter until she was begging for release. Then would he slowly enter her and make love to her until she could no longer hold on to reality. Or would he be rough and demanding like the business man he is, taking her on his desk thrusting into her to the hilt, repeatedly making her screams echo down the antique hallways. 

Caught up in her fantasies, Namisa didn't notice the bodyguard when she turned down the hallway and effectively ran into him. 

Her eyes widen and she stuttered out a form of an apology. 

He waved it off "It's fine miss, just doing my rounds. Actually the fact that you didn't notice means I'm doing my job right."

Her jaw dropped. "Rounds?" then she remembered, Damien said there were 215 employees on the premises. "How many of you are there?"

He looked up to the ceiling, face scrunched. "Well miss, I don't know for sure but I think there are 40 in this wing." 

If her jaw could actually hit the floor it would have. "That's so many!" she yelled flabbergasted. "Why does he need so many on this wing alone?"

He shrugged his shoulders, "Mr. Alagona, says his most precious assets are in this wing, though I disagree."

Namisa took a step back, "Assets?"

The guard started to give her a look and then his eyes went wide. "Umm, well he just wants to make sure everyone is safe, I mean he is a very important man in the community."

She crossed her arms. "I thought he was just a businessman?"

"Well, I mean money talks right?" he said as he slowly backed away. "Anyways, I gotta get back on my rounds don't want to throw the whole system out of sync you know."

And with that he scurried down the hallway before Namisa could ask anymore questions.

She felt her throat constrict slightly, and more questions filled her head. Part of her wanted to march back down to his study and demand more answers. And she almost did, but then she realized that he was already dodgy on the lives of Bethany and Jefferey. Also she still hadn't told him anything about herself and now more than ever she didn't want to trust him with any information about herself. She learned the hard way that secrecy equaled security, and she would never compromise herself again. 




The Castle on the Hill Ch. 03



Namisa finally went to her room. It seemed more sterile now. She took in a deep breath and prepared herself for bed. There were too many benefits to think about leaving just because there were a lot of guards and secrets in this castle. She laid down in the bed and snuggled with a pillow for some comfort. And with a bit of anxiousness over all the changes that happened she slowly fell asleep. 

Then her nightmare began. She was at a party with all her old colleagues, talking and laughing like her life was a dazzling as the night sky. But as the night lingered so did her tiredness and then she yawned and the party went silent. Trenton's arm was draped lovingly across her arm, it constricted her like a boa until she couldn't breathe. No one noticed and she couldn't breath soon his hands were on her throat and she was underwater screaming for air, for help, for anything that would stop this.

Namisa's screams carried down the hallway, even Damien heard it in his study. Fear stabbed him in the chest, and he bolted to her room. He burst in and saw two confused guards standing next to her. 

He waved them away from her as he walked to the bed. She kept flailing and screaming pleas for help. He sat on the bed and pulled her into his arms. stroking her hair as he tried to soothe her. "It's okay," he cooed. "You're safe now Namisa, you're safe with me."

She kept flailing in his arms causing him to hold on tighter. Slowly, she began to calm down until she was limp in his arms. "I'm sorry," she whimpered only loud enough for him to hear. "I'm sorry don't hurt me." and a few minutes later she was sleeping restfully. Damien held her a little longer to make sure she was okay and then laid her down gently and tucked her in. He looked down at her, she looked so innocent and her. He then felt protective feelings crash down upon him, then white hot rage. 

He turned to the guards. "Stay here and watch her. If she makes a peep come and get me immediately. He stormed off to his study and immediately called Lars. After a few rings he picked up. 

"You usually don't call me." he answered gruffly.

"Give me all you know now." Damien needed something, hopefully it's the name of the man he wanted to kill. 

Damien heard springs squeak and Lars yawn, "Okay, so I'm in this town Castorn, 200 miles away, there was a girl named Ana who matches Namisa's description and since this place has as much diversity as a wheat field I would hazard to guess that it's her. She was a maid at this shitty inn. You're paying for my stay here by the way, I expected better from you. Anyway, one day some guy came looking for her and she disappeared. Left most of her things here too."

"I want all the information on that guy, that is now your number one priority." He barked, "I want results on my desk now."

"It'll cost you extra."

"I don't give half a damn what it costs just get it done." His knuckles turned white from his harsh grip on the phone. "And Lars."

"Yeah."

"No Detours." with that he hung up. He sunk into his plush leather chair, and rested his head on his desk.

He let out a slow breath, it felt as if this castle was plagued with drama. He sat up and hit the desk frustration ate him alive. Why couldn't she trust him? Then out of the corner of his eye he saw the picture of Bethany and her parents, her father was his best friend and partner. He picked it up and the memories of simpler times came back to him. 

"I'm better now Adrian, I'm smarter, and stronger I can do this. I can save everyone." 

He put the picture down and leaned back in the chair, this time he wouldn't let anyone down. He was the best at his job and he would protect everyone in his empire, including Namisa.



The Castle on the Hill Ch. 04



Namisa was struggling to keep up with Bethany. Her nightmare ravaged her mentally and physically and Bethany had the energy level equivalent to a cheetah on amphetamines. She currently had her doing a sculpture building with clay to give her an outlet and allow her to rest for a moment. 

The tactic didn't last long, "Miss Namisa," She whined, "I don't understand how this is supposed to help me become a princess."

She threw a glob down on her larger lumpier glob and stuck out her lip in protest. 

Mustering all her motherly instincts she Namisa tried to placate her, "A princess must be well rounded and art is an essential part in achieving that Miss Bethany. You must be able to understand every aspect of life that occurs here, and art is a pretty big one."

"Why?"

"Art is the basis of how all people interact whether they read it or watch it. Art often holds the voice of the people and a princess must always be listening."

Bethany stuck out her lower lip, she wanted to argue but she wanted to be the best princess even more. She turned to her lumpy blob and squinted at it, then in a flash she went back to it. Little flecks of clay flew everywhere under the force of her tiny little fingers. 

Namisa relaxed back into her chair and took in a deep breath taking in all the delicate fragrances. She wanted to see more of the castle she opted to have the lesson in the gardens, and with the soft breeze carrying around the soothing scents and caressing her skin, she applauded herself for making such a good decision. 

She started to doze when something caught her eye, a guard walking behind a hydrangea bush. She looked to Bethany who was focused intently on her clay mush. Namisa decided that she wouldn't miss her absence and got up. 

"I'm going to talk to that nice guard over there, okay. Call me if you need me." She told the little girl. 

Bethany gave a squeaky grunt in response, clearly married to her mystery sculpture. Satisfied that everything was okay Namisa headed over to the guard. She walked slowly, partially because she was still sore, partially because the guard was staring her down as she approached and it threw her off. She squared her shoulders and prepared for a flirtatious battle.

"Hello there, are you here to enjoy the gardens as well?" she asked sweetly.

"I'm here to do my job Miss." he responded curtly.

This man was clearly less friendly than the once she encountered the night before. Namisa decided to change her tone, "And that would be what exactly?" she chided as she straightened her posture.

"To watch over Miss Bethany and yourself," he grunted.

"Why to make sure we follow the rules?" she jeered.

"No, to make sure you're safe."

Namisa blanched for a second. Then began to laugh, "Oh my however will I stay safe with all the flowers blooming, pollen floating on the breeze going in all kinds of directions, I feel so threatened." She exclaimed, throwing a hand on her forehead and pretending to faint.

But the guard unaware of her joke took it as an actual spell and swooped her up in his arms before she could react. 

"What are you doing!" she screamed. "Put me down immediately!"

"I will, in your chair next to miss Bethany. No exceptions" he stated.

Namisa was speechless, she hadn't been carried like this since she was a child. Her father would scoop her up after she would fall asleep in their yard after stargazing. He would sing a lullaby to keep her soothed, but this guard wasn't singing. His mouth was cemented into a scowl and his eyes scoured the land, as if he expected someone to leap out of nowhere and attack. 

He plopped her down and went back to his post next to the hydrangeas. 

"How sad that such a beautiful garden has so many guard gnomes ruining the view." she sighed.

"Do you take offense at my landscaping?" 

Namisa whipped around startled. Damien walked around and sat down between herself and Bethany. Namisa drank him in, his black locks were unbrushed and wavy, his white shirt was unbuttoned just enough to give a glimpse of his chest lightly covered with black hair. Namisa wanted to touch him. She forced herself to look up to his eyes. The deep indigo was clouded with an emotion she couldn't place and she shifted in her chair uncomfortably. She remembered her question and forced herself to relax in the chair, "I'm just saying that your garden looks like it belongs in a fairy tale, I don't see how we'd need guards for 'safety'" she emphasised it with air quotes. 

Damien laughed, the deep baritone of his voice warmed her cheeks. His eyes focused on her with a new intensity, "Even wolves can hide in meadows."

"Are you speaking literally?"

He leaned an elbow on the table, "I thought we were speaking metaphorically."

Before she could pry any further Bethany threw her hand in the air exclaiming the completion of her creation, "I'm done."

Damien leaned forward completely invested in her creation, "What is it princess?"

She picked it up in her clay caked hands and scooted closer to him her achievement. She raised it up to his face so he could get a better look, "It's a princess on a heart!" 

If one squinted at it they could see the princess presumably in a ballgown with her arms sticking out like a snowmans. The heart underneath the ball gown was unmistakable and was almost as big as the princess. Damien took it out of Bethany's hands gingerly and inspected it from every angle. He looked up at Namisa and his chest puffed out, 

"Look at this" he said, "Michelangelo pales in comparison to this beauty! The David think's about how it could never come close to how perfect this is! What is this called princess?"

"Heart of the people!" she exclaimed.

He nodded vigorously and focused back on the piece, "Yes the name of a true masterpiece. May I display this in the Ballroom mis artiste?"

Bethany nearly jumped out of her seat, "Really?"

Namisa decided to interrupt before he offered to put it in the Louvre, "Well, before you can do that we need to fire and glaze it. Bethany why don't you go wash up and get a snack from Chef Louis. I'll come get you after I put this up and we'll move on to Math lessons."

She nodded and wiped some on her glittering skirt, causing Namisa to groan, "I bet chef Lou made beignets today, I asked him last week." She gave Damien a quick peck on the cheek and sprinted toward the castle. It warmed Namisa's heart to see Bethany have such a supportive father figure. It was almost enough to have her stop digging deeper on this mysterious place. Almost.

She got up and started bagging the leftover clay and cleaning the table, "You can leave her piece on the table. I'll get it on my second trip."

He stood up and held on to the sculpture, "I wouldn't dare. The wolves might try to take this."

She glanced up at him, "Isn't that what the guards are for?"

He shrugged, "One can never be too careful."

She finished cleaning and started heading to the laundry room. There was an empty linen closet the maid was letting her use for hosting the art supplies and a drying rack for the sculptures. They walked in amiable silence. Namisa was allowed to steal some looks at him. Damien was too focused on making sure he handled the sculpture to notice. His cheekbones were almost too pronounced and his jaw was wide and strong and was always rigid. She wanted to kiss it until it softened. She expelled those thoughts from her head. 

"I didn't expect you to be such a delicate art handler."

"I handle everything delicately."

She laughed then, "I would beg to differ."

He glanced at her, "You haven't seen me in the boardroom."

Namisa stared at the vaulted ceiling, "Oh I can imagine. You'd be silent, letting your presence overwhelm the space until they feel so intimated they say something stupid," she turned to face him, "And then you'd pounce."

He locked eyes with her putting her theory to the test. She refused to back down, but staring into his eyes she felt a slight tingling in her thighs, and her mind began to wonder if the way he acted in the boardroom was the same as the bedroom. She broke the stare and focused only on making it to the laundry room. His laughed filled the space and made it harder for her to breath. 

"I will admit that it is one of my favorite strategies but that's not all I do. I'm very diverse."

"In your business as well?" she probed.

"Why don't you ask what you really want to know love?"

She blanched at the endearment and cleared her throat to focus. She wanted to know everything but doubted that she could get much out of him. Taking a deep breath she thought about the picked the one that was most pressing to her, "Are the guards here because of the type of business you do?"

Damien didn't seem perturbed, "Yes," he responded evenly, "You see how painless that was."

She glowered at him, "I'm sure this will be the easiest part of this conversation."

Damien couldn't help but agree. He didn't like telling people more than they needed to know. As far as he was concerned, all Namisa needed to know was the next lesson plan for Bethany. But, Damien knew that in order for her to trust him he would have to giver her a little bit he'd have to volunteer more than he was comfortable with. He wanted her trust so badly, and something else he couldn't quite name. 

"Why would you raise Bethany here in such a dangerous place?" she probed.

"This is the safest place she could be. Nothing can harm her here."

"Why is it because there are forty guards in the east wing alone?"

He shut his eyes for a moment. They were going in circles and if he didn't satisfy her they would end up in the same heated exchange as last night. 

"Namisa," he looked into her deep brown eyes, "I understand you're worried, but there are thieves, there are kidnappers. Castles are high profile targets as it is. My business which has nothing to do with how I live is also high profile, I err on the side of caution so I may have a few more guards than necessary."

She rolled her eyes, "Will you ever describe what you do with words other than 'business'?"

A smile spread across his face but stopped short of reaching his eyes, "Probably not. I've made a mistake of being to loose lipped about my business before, and it cost me greatly. I won't make that mistake again."

He looked at Bethany's sculpture he was so proud of it and her. He was glad that Namisa was able 

Namisa sighed and picked up the pace, "So are we in any real danger. Mr. Algona? Do I have to worry about wolves knocking down my door?"

"Not any more than the ones that attack you in your dreams." He knew he shouldn't have said anything, but hearing her address her so calmly and formally irked him to no end. 

She stopped short in the hallway, "No." she whimpered.

Damien stopped himself and leaned against the wall. He nodded confirming one of Namisa's insecurities.

"Who?"

"I heard you from down the hall and I came in to help calm you down. Only two other guards know about it. Though some others might have heard the screams."

She dropped the bucket she was carrying and sank to the ground. Damien held back giving her space. Her hands disappeared into her twist and she let out a shaky breath. "Did I say anything in particular?"

"No," he lied, "Just the generic help me's and ear shattering screams."

She visibly relaxed, "I'm so sorry. I thought I was getting better, sometimes I have night terrors. Though, I hadn't had one for weeks."

"Do you want to tell me about it?"

She looked up to him her eyes filled with need, "I'm sorry, but it's pretty personal."

He nodded, "As you wish. Just remember I'm good with secrets."

She laughed it was more rugged than he expected, it resonated within his chest and made him crave for more, "How well I know." 

She hoisted herself up and continued to the laundry which was just down the hall after the next left. 

"There's an old blacksmith's station in the west wing, I could renovate it for a clay studio for Bethany. Give her a better place to use than the laundry."

"Slow down. Bethany's interest will change by the minute for the next couple years. Let's see if she holds interest for more than a month before you build her own studio."

He shrugged, "I just want to make sure it's nurtured enough so she won't give up on it." 

Namisa shrugged and pushed the door open and pushed the bucket into the bottom of the closet, "There is a thin line between nurturing and spoiling Mr. Algona and I'm pretty sure you live on the spoiling side."

Damien refused to be chastised for being generous. He laid the sculpture gently where Namisa pointed to and turned to rebuke. He didn't realize how close they were, he was greeted by the scent of a fresh meadow emanating from her skin. He leaned in closer to get more. She backed away and he followed until she hit the door that led to the drying lines. He looked in her eyes, pleading with him for something that he couldn't decipher, he looked down to her lips full and plump he imagined how soft they must be. He wondered if she would taste like honeysuckle or another meadow flavor. He reached up and wiped a bit of clay that got on her chin. 

"I could spoil you too if you wished," he whispered.

He began to lean in, but stopped short when he heard chattering from down the hall. He moved back and spun around to greet the incomers. He heard the door open and shut and knew Namisa had left. He closed his eyes and groaned. Another day, another fuck up where she was concerned. When he opened his eyes he saw the maids with a cart of some of the guards laundry. 

He schooled his features and regained control, "Ladies, we have some precious art drying out on that rack right there. Please be cognizant of it while your working."

"Of course sir!" The older one, Mrs. Toole, a portly woman with thin, graying hair responded. 

Damien nodded curtly and left. He needed to lock himself in his office and never come out. 

Namisa thoroughly avoided Damien for the next week. It wasn't hard in the castle, she discovered new rooms and the library had a nook in a window that could only be accessed by ladder and was just high enough that no one wouldn't notice her unless they looked up. 

Damien didn't force the issue either, he didn't look at her at dinner, he stared at his food or at reports while she talked about Bethany's education. No one seemed to notice how awkward their interactions have become. To be fair, the staff didn't know her well enough to judge. 

On Saturday she went to read in her nook. She picked a random book on art theory and settled in. She was so zoned in she barely registered the door opening. 

"I'm glad you made it back in one piece Lars. Please have a seat." Damien's voice resonated through the hall. 

Namisa squeezed herself closer to the windowpane. She didn't want to be found. 

"Don't mind if I do. I swear You've put me on the wildest ride." The man who had to be Lars replied. 

Namisa peered over to get a good look at the newcomer. He was sitting down and from where she was Namisa could only see his profile. His fair was a light blond that fell a little past his shoulders. His nose was a tough too long and slightly pointed, and his chin was almost as prominent. He reminded her of the the paintings on greek vases. 

"So what did you find out about her?" Damien asked, he leaned on the main desk arms crossed. 

"Well, Miss. Kamara is a perfect addition for your castle of lost souls for starters."

Damien rubbed his temples. "The facts, Lars."

Namisa was outraged. How dare he get a report on her. She couldn't stand him. When she was cornered by him in the laundry room, when she thought he might kiss her, she felt something that she didn't know. Now she knew it was white hot rage. Unable to hold herself back she threw the book at the desk. Damien jumped back behind the desk and she was pretty satisfied until she saw the glint of a pistol aimed at her. She leaned completely on the glass. The ledge was only six feet wide but it was enough to get her out of the line of fire. 

"Surrender now or I'll shoot!"

Namisa was to scared to reply. She pressed herself closer to the glass. She heard a chair shuffle. 

"Damien I didn't realize you so trigger happy." 

"What are you talking about?" His voice was too calm.

"Unless there's a war on reading going on, a thrown book doesn't warrant all this fanfare."

There was a pause. Namisa heard Damien get up, but she refused to move.

"Listen, I didn't realize you, didn't notice Miss. Kamara sitting on that window reading when we came in." Another pause, "You're getting rusty."

Namisa heard running and someone climbing on the ladder, she stared up at the ceiling, wishing she could melt into the stone. 

"Namisa?" a soft voice probed.

She shut her eyes and wished him away. She thought he had left until she felt his hand caress her face. 

"I'm sorry. Please look at me."

She took a slow deep breath and slowly opened her eyes. Damien was leaning over her. His eyes dark as a midnight pond were filled with sorrow. 

"I didn't know you were in here."

Namisa began to reply but all sound was swallowed by the noise of the window giving way. For a split second Namisa felt herself free fall, but before she could fully recognize the sensation, she was crushed against Damien's chest. She took a moment to sort through what happened but the first thing she became fully cognizant of was how hard Damien's chest was, and how snug she felt in his arms. Next came the realization that the heavy erratic breathing wasn't herself. It was him. 

"Mr. Alagona," she started.

"Ssh!" he hissed.

Namisa stood still, unsure of what to do. Tentatively, she hugged him back and felt him release a deep breath. He released her but still held on to her shoulders. 

"Sit down." He demanded.

Startled by his change she complied. He got on the ladder his eyes never leaving her. 

"Come here." 

She began to shake her head. 

"Now Namisa!"

She scooted closer to the edge. 

"I want you to straddle my waist and wrap your arms around my neck."

He put his hand up to silence her before she could object. "It's not sexual I'm going to carry you down the ladder. 

"I can get down perfectly fine."

"I almost got shot and fell out that window in the span of ten minutes, you're too rattled to climb down this old flimsy piece of garbage now straddle."

Damien must have seen her rising anger and forced himself to relax. He spoke again more diplomatically, "It's a variation of a fireman's approach, If you'd rather have one of my arm's holding your groin this is the best way for you to get down. I refuse to let you come down on your own."

Namisa knew he wouldn't budge and sighed, "I'll take the groinless approach."

Damien smiled. "Good choice."

Namisa wrapped herself around Damien geld tight as he took her down the ladder. She could feel his muscles through his shirt. and her breasts kept rubbing against his chest. She cursed herself for not wearing something with more padding. She hid her face in the crook of his neck so she couldn't look down. she felt safe. once He got to the bottom she expected him to let her down. Instead he gripped her tighter and started walking. 

"You can put me down I can walk." She squirmed.

Damien kept walking, "No thanks, I'd rather see you lie safely in bed where you'll wait," He looked at Lars, "Until Lars can let our Dr. Rosenthal you need attention."

Lars nodded, "And on the way I'll tell all the guards about the whole scene that just occurred." On that note he was gone. 

Namisa tried to quell her sudden panic, "I assure you I can manage to use my own two legs well enough to get to my bed."

"I know you think you can, but I don't want to risk you falling." 

They were out in the hallway now and she was mortified that someone would see them. She kept squirming almost bucking against his body. 




The Castle on the Hill Ch. 04



He turned toward her his breath warm in her ear, "If you keep squirming like this you'll feel something really unprofessional."

Namisa swallowed hard, more aware of his body. The closeness caused heat to radiate from the pit of her belly. She shook her head banishing the thoughts, "Well, at least I know it's a gun and you're not happy to see me." She bit back

Damien gave an empty laugh. "I will not apologize for trying to protect myself. You see the guards."

"You said they were a precaution."

"I said I like to take extra precautions," He replied evenly.

Namisa rolled her eyes, "Do you even know how to use it?"

Damien was silent for a moment, "Well enough."

They were silent for the rest of the walk. Namisa marvelled at how his pace didn't slow or how he was still breathing easy after the flight of stairs. She wondered how he managed to stay so fit when she only ever saw him in a business suit slaving over some reports. Once they we're in her room he'd laid her gently in the bed, and for a brief moment she wanted to pull him down on top of her. 

"Dr. Rosenthal will be here shortly." He turned to leave. 

"Don't talk to Lars about me behind my back." she blurted out before he could reach the door. 

She sat up and looked at him, his blue button down a rich blue to match his eyes was rumpled from carrying her. His eyes had bags under them, it just made them more haunting. She wanted to tuck him in next to her have him sleep for a while. 

He raised an eyebrow, "Namisa, if you refuse to talk to me and forbid me from asking others, how am I supposed to know more about you?"

She squared her shoulders, "You shouldn't have to know."

He leaned against the doorframe and sighed, he looked like an angel fallen from grace, "That's where you're wrong. I know you think otherwise but your demons will catch up to you and I need to know how to help you fight them."

"They won't find me."

Damien raked his hands through his hair and stared up at the cieling, "Trust me. They do." 

The bitterness in his voice stung Namisa, maybe she could give him some trust. He was trusting her with Bethany, and for all intents and purposes he hadn't done anything to cause her distrust since hiring her. She let out a deep breath, "Fine, I'll tell you, but not today. Tomorrow, after Bethany and Jefferey go for their horse lessons."

Damien gave a half smile and nodded. He bowed, "As you wish and left."

Namisa was tense, she didn't want to talk about her past. But she had to, she flopped back onto the bed and looked at the ceiling there were beautiful wood carved tiles somewhere floral a few had angels. She wished they could come to life and save her, but as she drifted of the only one she guarding her was Damien. 

Damien skulked down the hallway. He knew Namisa could walk on her own but she felt so good in his arm. She was so soft and smelled so sweet and the way her dress rode up ever so slightly, it almost drove him mad. He remembered how scared she was after he almost shot her. Damn it, she shouldn't have been there. He could have killed her, she could've died falling out of that window. The moment she started falling his heart stopped, every second before he grabbed her felt like an eternity. He let out a shaky breath. 

"You're getting rusty holed up in here, "Lars voice wafted through the hall. 

Damien stopped, "Stop fooling around and talk to my face."

Lars stepped out of a shadowed doorway. He stuck his hands in his pockets. "You should have known she was in there. You're getting soft."

"I'm different, not soft."

"No, soft. You don't want a repeat of—"

"That will never happen again," Damien snapped.

Lars sighed and walked up to Damien. He could see the tightness in his jaw, the aches in his neck. Lars felt bad for him, "Listen, I know it's hard, especially after Alex and Kianna died and you had to inherit the business and raise Bethany. God knows, she's the spitting image of her mother, but you can't forget your street skills. They kept you alive all those years working in the alleys."

"I know that." 

"Do you? Because guards fail, no castle is impenetrable, and you can't keep everyone here."

Damien stayed silent.

"Listen, we'll talk business later, let's go to the town and practice like we used to when we were kids. Remember what Alex used to say? You have to notice everything, know everything—" 

"And be everything," Damien completed. He patted Lars' shoulder, "You're a good friend."

"No, a good friend would bust your balls over that Kamara girl. I'm a passable friend at best."

Damien Shrugged, "Then I'll stick with passable."