Her temper was lit like a fire as she stormed clean out of the prison. What was she thinking in wanting to aid and seek help from a criminal? Had she gone mad? Possibly, but to keep herself in check, she knew when to move on.
And if the prisoner was insufferable, perhaps she would deal with Kareem first. He was, after all, now the owner of that poor sod! And as she approached his manor, she took a moment to fluff her dress and hat, brushing off any sand and dirt, before having his servant know she was there to speak to him.
And she was actually surprised when he obliged, and invited her in for talk over tea.
The tea was splendid, as she was surprised the man had such good taste, and though the conversation was lackign in any real purpose for the time being, she simply enjoyed some amicable company for a chance. After all, the barbaric prisoner left a soured taste in her mouth. But by the time she was done with her cup of tea, and more was poured she figured there was no further point in beating around the bush.
"Now, as you well know, I'm not here for simple conversation.." she began, and Kareem's grin broadened.
"But of course not, my dear. You have proposed a very... interesting solution to our mutual problem with that pig of a man rotting in his cell. Though I would love to see have seen him hang, I am equally fascinated with this.... treasure of Hakeshna in which you speak, considering that is one of the very reasons he was to hang. This... treasure... what can you tell me of it?" he said, leaning in closer to her so that she could begin to smell his foul breath, even beneath the hint of minted tea.
Beatrice had to take a moment to compose herself, and get passed the smell. But she smiled none the less.
"You see, I had hoped you'd be familiar with the man named Opus Dey..."
And at that, Kareem gave a huff and wave of his hand.
"Opus Dey- like cockroach. I'd rather we not discuss him here."
"Oh?"
"Yes, that bastard- thinks he king-makes many alliances, but also enemies throughout all the world. Well I, Kareem, am definitely not a fan of his. His men and he robbed me blind, long before I had taken power of this post!" And at that, he had to get himself something stronger than tea, and asked his men to fetch them some wine.
Though when asked, Beatrice politely declined, but as the conversation went on, Kareem continued to insist. So she had a cup, perhaps too, and eventually she talked Kareem into handling a small convoy of entrepreneurs- ones that could explore this possibility of treasure. Naturally, Kareem wanted more than fifty percent of the share, and though she was not too thrilled at it, she agreed to herself only getting a small percent. After all, she was not really after the fabeled treasure- but she knew Opus Dey might. And with rumors spreading around that the wings of Hakeshna may have been found-
It was then Kareem nearly fell out of his chair. And he stood up suddenly and took the woman and kissed her full on the lips.
"Ha! ha! You foreign lady! You are so smart! Come, join me as my wife and let us discover this treasure together!"
And Beatrice had to wonder what she had gotten herself into as she cringed out a smile.
"Let us not be too hasty. I see the wine has gotten to your head."
"Yes, yes, but one such as yourself should not be unescorte dby a man."
"Oh, but I do have an escort."
"You do?"
"Yes, the man in the cell."
"The man in the cell?"
"Yes, since I saved his life, I believe he should be my escort."
"But he is hardly civilized... and to think to wed him..."
Her face burned.
"I think you and I have completely different views on an escort... he'll simply be a partner, one to see I am safe- and nothing more."
And at that explanation, Kareem beamed.
"Ah, so our marriage..."
And as he reached for her, she barely side stepped his reach.
"We can... discuss that later. I'm not exactly a woman who cares for.. such things."
And at the look Kareem gave her- she knew a man like him would only make her hate it all the more.
"Yes.. perhaps later. For now.. we shall prepare? When shall this convoy take off? I'd like to prepare myself.. andt he men..."
And at that, Miss Warner smiled.
"As soon as we are all ready. Perhaps you should clean up and tame that beast in the prison. He's got a lot of work to do."
And with that, she left.