The Handmaidens are the personal attendants of Darby Desmet, most of whom are indentured servants. They are chosen for their physical attractiveness, submissive personalities, loyalty and willingness to serve, commitment, and other desirable qualities. Some undergo augmentations during their training to increase their beauty in Darby’s eyes. Most handmaidens are women or transfemme, though there are a few masculine members.
The Handmaidens are trained in the art of pleasure and to attend to the needs of Darby and select crew and guests, and some other skills that Darby deems pleasing, such as music and art. The Handmaidens will attend to Darby, ensuring her every need and whim is met. Their duties include bathing and grooming, providing massage and beauty treatments for her pleasure, providing sexual intimacy, and so on. They also may help with Darby’s wardrobe and maintain her appearance. They dress in revealing clothing and lingerie to please Darby and her guests.
The crew of Handmaidens is organized into small groups called “Harems.” A harem consists of a “Mistress of Maidens” and three to five other Handmaidens. Each harem is assigned a specific role in providing for Darby’s care. Thus there are harems for personal care, household operation, and even to serve as personal security for Darby. Currently, ten harems are serving Darby onboard The Feline Grace.
A “Mistress of Maidens,” or mistress for short, is a Handmaiden (usually one of Darby’s favorites) who has proven herself trustworthy and has the loyalty of the other harem members. The mistress is generally responsible for the well-being of her harem and has the authority to maintain order amongst her handmaidens and to recommend rewards or punishments.
The Handmaidens are afforded more privileges than the other crew, with better quality quarters and food. But are under stricter restrictions: they are not permitted to keep a personal life and are not permitted to have any significant relationships outside of those specifically authorized by Darby. They are prohibited from having sexual intercourse with anyone except Darby and those authorized by her, except within their harem.
Some of the most trusted and loyal Handmaidens also serve as bodyguards for Darby and enjoy even greater privileges. A harem of these will typically accompany Darby on her business off the ship, where they will attend to her and provide protection. They are often the favorites for spending time with Darby, which can sometimes be an opportunity to earn more privileges.
Despite the life of luxury and privilege enjoyed by the handmaidens, not all are happy in servitude. Many yearn for freedom and yearn to return to their families or just resent being forced to embrace Darby’s decadent, hedonistic beliefs. The rebellious ones may try to escape, but this is dangerous, as Darby takes great pleasure in breaking the will of disobedient handmaidens and punishing their families.