This story is a twist on Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale'. In this universe, the rare fertile women instead become the Wives, encouraged to procreate with their husbands, the Commanders. Young men and infertile women (houseboys and housegirls) take the place of the Handmaids in Atwood's story, allowing the Commanders to satisfy their baser urges without distracting them from the important task of fathering more children with the Wives.
Please be aware that this story therefore features scenes of non-consensual M/m and F/m intercourse. Thank you.
The sun had barely begun its ascent when Matti, the houseboy, entered the dining room with a tray of freshly prepared breakfast. The air was thick with the weight of duty and subservience, an invisible shackle that Matti had learned to wear without complaint.
The master of the house, and therefore under the laws of the new society Matti's owner, Commander Roark, a man of imposing stature with a stern face etched by years of authority, sat at the head of the table. His Wife, Evelyn, delicate and cold, sat opposite him, her presence a reminder of unyielding expectations.
"Good morning, Commander. Good morning, Ma'am," Matti said softly, placing the tray on the table with practiced precision.
The Commander grunted in acknowledgment, eyes not leaving the morning paper. Evelyn, however, scrutinised Matti's every movement.
"You're late," she said, her voice cutting through the silence like a knife.
Matti flinched imperceptibly. "I apologise, Ma'am. It won't happen again."
"It had better not," she replied, her gaze cold and unyielding. "I won't tolerate incompetence."
Matti bowed his head, feeling the weight of her disdain. He quickly set the table, making sure everything was perfect. The Commander's coffee was poured just the way he liked it, strong and black, while Evelyn's tea steeped to the precise shade of golden brown.
As Matti turned to leave, Commander Roark finally looked up. "Wait," he commanded.
Matti froze, heart pounding. "Yes, Commander?"
"Remember, the garden needs tending today. The roses are beginning to wilt," Roark said, his voice heavy with implied threat.
"Yes, Commander. I'll take care of it immediately," Matti replied, nodding.
"You'd better," Evelyn added, her eyes narrowing. "We wouldn't want our home to look unkempt, now, would we?"
Matti nodded once more and retreated quickly, the tension following him like a shadow. The unspoken understanding was clear: failure was not an option.
The afternoon sun beat down on Matti as he worked in the garden, sweat trickling down his forehead, several hours now spent at labour in the early summer heat. He carefully pruned the rose bushes, making sure each cut was precise. The garden was Evelyn's pride and joy, and he had learned in the few days since his arrival that any mistake here could cost him dearly.
Evelyn approached silently; her footsteps masked by the soft grass. She stood behind Matti, watching him with a critical eye.
"Those roses were a gift from the Commander," she said, her voice soft but laced with menace. "I hope you understand their importance."
Matti straightened up, turning to face her. "Yes, Ma'am. I'm being very careful."
Evelyn's eyes narrowed. "Careful isn't enough. They must be perfect."
Matti swallowed hard. "I understand, Ma'am. I'll make sure they're perfect."
Evelyn stepped closer, her gaze piercing. "See that you do. Or I'll ensure the Commander knows just how careless you can be."
Matti nodded, lowering his eyes. "Yes, Ma'am. Thank you for reminding me."
Evelyn turned and walked away, leaving Matti with a sense of impending doom. He returned to his work, hands trembling slightly. In this world, even the smallest misstep could lead to severe consequences, and Matti knew he couldn't afford to make any mistakes. The garden, outwardly a place of beauty and tranquillity, had become another battleground where his survival depended on unwavering diligence and constant vigilance.
"Oh, and one more thing" his Mistress called out over her shoulder, almost as if an afterthought. "We will be performing the ceremony tonight".
The sky was tinged with the colours of dusk when Matti knocked softly on the study door. He waited for the gruff acknowledgment from within before entering.
Commander Roark sat behind his mahogany desk, a glass of whiskey in his hand. Papers were strewn across the surface, plans and strategies for maintaining control over their society.
"Come in, boy," the Commander ordered without looking up.
Matti stepped forward, the familiar fear gripping his chest. "You requested me, Commander?"