Handmaidens

The Handmaidens are a group of women acting as aides to Lilith of Vorsia, Monarch of One Nation. They are part of the royal household and their role is loosely defined as assisting the monarch with everyday tasks, however, their duties are varied and extensive.

Description

On average, there are a dozen or so women employed as Handmaidens, but not all attend the monarch at once. In their primary role the Handmaidens accompany the monarch whenever she goes and assist with whatever she needs; everything from daily dress routine to political confidants. The Handmaidens can represent the monarch during public events, and as part of their public relations duties they engage with the general public by producing entertainment content that varies from travel documentaries, current fashion, make-up, media, and other popular topics. All of it in an attempt to provide a connection between the monarch and the people.

The Handmaidens enjoy many benefits during their employment, such as lavish lifestyle, attention of the public, and access to the best educational faculties. They are supported in whatever field they choose to study, and all retired Handmaidens went on to become successful business and career women.

History

The genesis of the Handmaidens program was in Year 14, after the death of Lilith's first wife. It was noticed that her grieving mechanism was affecting her role as the sovereign of Vorsia Companion, and as a result Harlynn Kynn devised a plan to hire a group of attractive women to keep Lilith company so that her destructive behaviour could be managed. The plan proved to be successful and led to developing the program from mere attendants to respectable household staff.

With the creation of One Nation in Year 21, the Handmaidens' official residence was moved to the Illumine Palace on Moroa, so they would remain close to the royal family. Their role remained relatively unchanged but their duties expanded in scope.

Selection

Not much is shared publicly about the vetting process. It is known that those who became Handmaidens were approached with the offer to go through the selection process, rather than applying directly. It is assumed that each candidate must display intellectual potential, and be compatible with the monarch's personality. When asked during interviews about the selection, the Handmaidens generally only said it was long, difficult but worth it in the end.

Public opinion

The Handmaidens are popular public figures in their own right and due to their proximity to the leadership of the nation they are considered valuable political allies. By the vast majority of the population they are regarded with respect and admiration, however, as a group they are also subject to many speculations and criticisms.

Some criticise the Handmaidens as a cult of young attractive women that are mere concubines, and that they do not deserve all the benefits of their job simply because they are pretty. Such critics, however, often disregard the pressure of public engagements on behalf of the monarch, and the constant scrutiny of the public.