Veronica opened her eyes as the limo pulled into the large driveway of Elias’s mansion, and was a little startled by Evelyn stroking her hair as she rested her head in the business woman’s lap. “There you are,” Evelyn smiled, “don’t worry, it looks worse than it is, but you have a big bruise on your face. I’ll have to teach this driver how to take corners properly, especially in construction zones. You’ve been fading in and out for a little while now but you’ll be okay. How’s your head feeling?”

In spite of being startled at first Veronica was filled with warm, fuzzy feelings as she gazed up towards Evelyn. She seemed to be surrounded by light, like some sort of divinity, which rapidly erased any concerns Veronica had in favor of unconscious awe and compliance. “Just foggy, but it doesn’t hurt. Thank you for making sure I’m okay and taking care of me.” A feeling of pleasure that Veronica didn’t understand flowed through her as she expressed gratitude. She had once believed that Evelyn didn’t like her, but here she was taking care of her. She wanted to show her thanks somehow once she started feeling better. Maybe she could help clean her home, make her favorite meal, give her a massage, any number of ways to best serve her superior. Why was she feeling this way? Why couldn’t she fight it? Why did she have these thoughts? She wanted to fight them, but she couldn’t, and part of her wanted to embrace them.

Evelyn would smile and help Veronica out of the limo. “Let’s get you inside so you can sleep this off.” Evelyn was extremely helpful, even carrying Veronica at one point, as she was stronger than she looked. Veronica couldn’t help but blush. Maybe a part of her realized what was happening, but she couldn’t find it in herself to care, yet she was still horrified when she was met with intrusive thoughts telling her that the upper classes were always correct and that she lived only to serve their desires.

Was Evelyn always so kind and caring? Veronica felt like something was off, but couldn’t find it in herself to question it. It was like something was whipping her brain any time she tried. Maybe she’d just misjudged her, and was developing a new opinion. She didn’t get to see this her in a setting where she could relax very often, so maybe she’d judged Evelyn solely on always seeing her in work mode, but even in more casual settings, Evelyn seemed like power and authority personified, and Veronica couldn’t help but think she’d been a Queen in a past life whose subjects must have worshipped her like a Goddess on earth, and now to Veronica it seemed Evelyn had a kind side somewhere within her. Besides, who was Veronica to question Evelyn’s help? If anything, she should feel grateful, and with that thought Veronica’s heart would be filled with a sense of joy. “We should repay her for this,” she thought to herself, a wave of pleasure washing over her like a reward for feeling obligated to Evelyn and feeling grateful for her mere presence. 

As they made their way through the halls, Veronica would think about how similar all of the maids looked. Their hair was required to be its natural color, cut to a specific length, then tied up. The uniform was a plain black dress made of a material designed for hard work. The dresses had white collars, with white at the very ends of the skirt and sleeves. A plain white apron tied tight made it clear what they were. They also wore white gloves which stopped right below the elbow, white stockings, plain black flats, a white maids cap, and a thick metal collar around their necks. As they curtsied to Evelyn while she and Veronica would walk by any of them, Veronica finally noticed what was etched into the collars: “property of the Porter family.” Veronica wondered what it must feel like to submit to being owned, to become so well trained, to let go of thinking for yourself in favor of unquestioning obedience. Every routine, response, and behavior expected of you drilled in until it was instinct. Until you were defined solely by the expectations and commands of your Masters. What really stood out to Veronica, however, is how happy they all seemed. They seemed confident in being nothing but tools, and something in their eyes made them seem so alive in comparison to the dullness of her own. Their lives seemed better than the one she had come from, as strange as that seemed to her. They didn’t have to worry about bills or where their next meal would come from. They didn’t have to overthink everything. They didn’t have to do anything but obey.

Soon they would make their way up the guest bedroom Veronica currently occupied, and upon opening the door, Brianna was devoutly kneeling and waiting for her return. As the duo walked through the door, Brianna would bow down to them, “welcome home Miss Williams. welcome Your Majesty Lady Porter.” She spoke in such awe and reverence. Veronica thought Evelyn must be like a literal Goddess to Brianna.

Evelyn would ignore her as she walked by just as she’d given no glance or second thought to any other maid. As Veronica was helped into bed she wondered what that felt like. Groveling for attention. Groveling for commands. Only to be ignored. Having no purpose until you were given one by someone inherently superior to you. Did it drive Brianna to become even more obedient in hopes for mere acknowledgement? In a way she admired Brianna for finding her place and embracing it so fully. Brianna didn’t need to think, have interests, have opinions, or be anything other than a glorified household appliance, and Brianna was happier than she’d ever seen her. 

She looked up again to see Brianna bowing down, head all the way against the floor, as Elias entered. “Master,” Brianna said, as her tone sounded unlike anything Veronica had ever heard. It was pure worship. As if she were bowing to a God. She looked so devout, as though every breath were taken solely to please her Master. 

”What happened? Veronica are you okay?” Elias said, quickly moving past Brianna and towards his friend. The realization set in for Veronica now. It was just as Brianna had said earlier. She and Elias were no longer friends. No longer equals. They were Master and servant, and that was very different. He took care of her needs and gave her purpose. In return she obeyed him without question and devoted every aspect of herself to making his life easier and his pleasure. 

”The driver needs more training. He went through a construction zone and hit a corner at a high speed while going over a massive bump in the road. We were in the middle of catching up and she immediately fell face first into the floor. It’s not as bad as it looks, fortunately.” Evelyn would say, stroking Veronica’s hair and giving her a kiss on the forehead. “I’ve already checked for a concussion and she doesn’t have one.” 

Veronica smiled “Evelyn has taken good care of me, don’t worry. Thank you for checking on me though. I hope your ride back was better than mine.” A wave of joy, awe, and reverence spread through her as Evelyn kissed her forehead. She also didn’t realize it, but her eyes lit up as she gazed upon Elias. His beautiful green eyes mesmerized her as much as Evelyn’s mere presence did. They had as long as she could remember. She wasn’t sure when she’d first noticed it but just being in his presence made her feel good, and she had yet to truly notice just how pliable his words made her feel. She knew he’d always take care of her, that he’d never judge her, and that he’d never lead her the wrong direction. Something about being in his care, under his roof, following his guidance, it all just felt right. 

”Fortunately my drive back was uneventful.” He smiled. “I imagine you must have a massive headache. Maid,” he said snapping his fingers, “fetch the strongest painkillers we have.”

Brianna stood automatically, turning and giving her Master a curtsey, “yes Master, right away” she said, her body was still as precise as a machine, but her tone when responding to him was still unlike anything Veronica had ever heard. The awe, the reverence, the eagerness to obey, the joy of simply being useful to her Master for even a single moment. There was no doubt in Veronica’s mind. This is where Brianna was always meant to be. Wanted to be. Brianna loved serving. Brianna loved being a slave, and was happy to be treated as just one of many. She wished she could have been there to see when her rebellious act finally fell apart. When Brianna turned and embraced serving the elites she’d once been so vocal against. 

”Thank you Elias I-“ she paused, “you’re doing so much for me. I just don’t want to be a mooch or disappoint you. I’ll make sure I’m up early and job searching first thing in the morning just as you wish.”

Elias shook his head. “Veronica, it’s not like it’s an order. You aren’t Brianna.” He laughed. “At least I don’t think you are. No judging. In all seriousness though, you get up when you’re ready to. That looks like it was a pretty bad fall. I just want you to look sometimes, and maybe you’ll find your dream job, but can stay here as long as you need to.” 

“That wouldn’t surprise me,” Evelyn said. Her voice carried a devious tone that she could hardly keep contained, or maybe she was testing Veronica. 

Normally Veronica would feel offended, but she just laughed. “You always have to give me shit, even when I’m feeling like this?” For some reason her nerves shook, and guilt began to twist her stomach, and an intrusive thought began to creep in. “Watch your language in front of your betters.” That thought scared her a little, but she would choose to dismiss it. She just wasn’t thinking clearly due to the fall.

”Laughter is the best medicine. It worked didn’t it?” Evelyn gazed into Veronica’s eyes, still playing with her hair, “It’s important we keep your spirits up given the circumstances, and then with you falling and hitting your head so hard I have to make sure you’re still in there. You’ll figure out what you’re meant to do in life soon Veronica, and you’ll be perfect at it, just like we talked about.” 

Veronica’s heart was racing once more, but with the companion of butterflies in her stomach overtaking any fear. “I’m so sorry but I don’t remember, almost everything between the restaurant and here is a blur, but I know you’re right about whatever it was. I must have asked you for advice, and I’m feeling better about the future than I was a couple of days ago. Whatever you said, thank you.” Veronica felt something new for Evelyn. She felt good being under her care, following her advice, and Evelyn was so beautiful to her now. Veronica wasn’t sure why, but she didn’t want Evelyn to leave, or to stop looking upon her as she made sure Veronica was okay, like a Queen looking out for her subjects. Veronica’s conscious mind, unaware of her programming, would chalk it up to just being a crush. Did Evelyn feel the same way? Veronica knew she was single at the moment, and she was being rather affectionate. Veronica didn’t mind. “Hey, Evelyn, can I come over soon? I’d like to get more of your advice”

Evelyn smiled, clearly satisfied about something. “Of course, I’ll keep you extremely busy with all of the advice I give you though. I’m going to head downstairs,” she said as she turned to Elias, “and I’m going to deal with the driver in your staff training room.  I don’t want to bother Sabrina with it, and I’d rather do the correcting since he belongs to me now.”

”That’s fine. It’s better to correct him now while it’s still fresh. If you let him drive you home first he may not realize which drive you’re even punishing him for. You know how the servant brain works, if you can even call it a brain.” Elias seemed to be joking, and Evelyn did laugh out loud as she passed Brianna making her way back in on the way out, but Veronica couldn’t help but feel he was somewhat serious. She’d never seen him imply his servants were so lowly and inferior, but the difference between them was clear. Veronica couldn’t find it in herself to be bothered by such a statement. He was right to say such a thing if he chose to, because he was vastly superior to them, and the driver deserved punishment for not doing as his Mistress expected of him. Veronica wasn’t sure why she was thinking like this. Maybe the dinner changed her perspective a little, and getting to boss Brianna around. Plus, it was clear they were happy like this. 

“Elias, thank you again for coming to check on me” Veronica said as Brianna approached, lowering a serving tray with a glass of water and a couple of pills. She wanted to thank Brianna, but something blocked her. Brianna was just doing what she was supposed to do. Why thank someone, whose only goal in life is to serve and obey her Masters, for being obedient? Wouldn’t it be like thanking a radio for having reception? Once she took the pills and set the water back down, Brianna simply stood upright holding the serving tray steady as if it were a nightstand, and Veronica smirked as she continued speaking to Elias. “Thank you especially for assigning Brianna to me though. How did you get her to be like this? I tried to keep up with her but we’d both been working so much”

Elias smiled. “Yeah, she’s on duty every day. Sorry by the way. I’ve also wanted to be around more but there’s been a lot going on with one of the companies I’m in charge of. I thought assigning her to you would be more comfortable than assigning a stranger, at least, and I see you’re having fun with her.”

Veronica leaned back and relaxed in the bed as her tone gave of clear amusement “Oh what you’ve done with her is wonderful. She seems so happy too. You wouldn’t know it at first, but the way she looks at her Master says so much, and look how confident and comfortable she looks. It can’t be just because you paid for her full transition right? Did she just find you and Sabrina that hot? Enough to change her entire worldview? I mean I can’t say I blame her.” Veronica shook for a moment. Why did she say that?

Elias laughed. “No, paying for that isn’t what did it. It did make her extremely loyal and eager to repay Sabrina and I, which is great since serving us was part of the deal, but I think she just found it fulfilling when she started doing it. Between us, Sabrina also wanted to have a threesome with her, and I’m the first and only guy Brianna has been with since her full transition. After that she became even more dedicated to being the perfect maid.”

Veronica was amused, but also somewhat hurt. She’d had so many feelings for Elias, had found him hot for years, and for some reason was finding him even hotter now. She never got to sleep with him despite this, and yet Brianna got to be dicked so good it turned her into his mindless slave? That be proof of Sabrina’s superiority over Brianna, and likely Veronica, if she could avoid that happening to her. Her hurt quickly changed to finding those thoughts kind of hot, and plus it wasn’t like she’d never heard far more detailed sex stories from him. Veronica wasn’t sure where these thoughts came from and tried to stay focused as the meds began to kick in. “Wow, you must have literally fucked her brains out. So she’s mine while I’m here? Anything I want?  Like, I have a personal slave?”

Elias shrugged “As long as your orders don’t contradict myself or Sabrina then she’ll obey you without question. Also, listen, I know how it looks. Don’t get me wrong, we still love and cherish her, but the bond between us has just become something very different than friendship. It’s stronger than that, if anything.”

Veronica nodded, “I understand. She’s a maid now, and obviously loves being one. Treating her like anything else would disrupt the peace and joy she’s found in being your loyal servant, right? The best thing I could do for her is to treat her like a slave if she wants to be one that badly. Brianna, place the water on my nightstand and put the tray down. You’re sleeping on the floor at the foot of the bed, but that uniform better stay perfect.” She ordered, before yawning and turning to Elias. “These drugs are good, but they’re knocking me out. I think I’m going to get some rest. Goodnight bestie.” She yawned, having talked over Brianna confirming her command, and began to doze off as Elias told her goodnight, and got up to leave the room. 

***

In Veronica’s hazy, sleepy mind, a dream began to formulate out of her memories. She felt some sense of Deja vu, unaware that she was following Evelyn’s command to dream about her first experience under her rule. All Veronica remembered was exhausting herself by handwashing cars. That and being humiliated. It was her 21st birthday, and instead of going out to the bars, she was trying to make money by washing her best friend’s sister’s personal car collection. The sister who used to bully her sometimes. The sister who intimidated her by just being present. The sister who always had perfect grades without effort. The sister who held black belts in multiple martial arts before she was even in her twenties. The sister who was one of those extremely smart people who graduated from high school and college both before she was even an adult. The sister who had managed to run a successful business she started immediately after managing to get a degree when she was 16. Maybe that was why Veronica had so easily been talked into fetching the now 23 year old Evelyn’s drinks all day. She’d almost be finished with a car, and Evelyn would snap her fingers while holding her glass up. “Fill it up, birthday girl” she would command. Relaxing in the sun while Veronica worked herself to the bone, and served drinks on Evelyn’s command. That wasn’t even part of the deal!

Veronica felt far too pathetic and tired to argue, and Evelyn held all the power. Evelyn had always been a little mean to her, and Veronica was never able to successfully argue against her. “I don’t know why my brother fraternizes with people who are just going scrub our floors and shine our shoes. It gives you people the wrong impression” she’d say, and that was nice in comparison to some of the things she’d said in the past. Even at just 23 Evelyn was already a powerhouse in the financial industry. Some of the old guard even feared her quick rise, especially after they’d dismissed her for being a woman, for being so young, and claiming she would only succeed because she was a Porter rather than through her own hard work. Some even tried to stop her through sabotage last year. She made sure the ringleader of those men would become her butler once she somehow absorbed their firms into her own rapidly growing empire, and turned his wife into one of her maids. She showed them off to Veronica once, and it was a moment that stuck with her ever since. The new maid was eager to obey Evelyn and seemed to absolutely adore her, while the new butler was often ignored by both, and was often mocked by Evelyn for being a cuckold now. “I took everything from you, including her,” Evelyn would say as the maid shined her boots with a smile on her face. The rest of those men were reduced to working in a factory owned by the family. Those men went from mansions to living on site, working for minimal pay, and kneeling before her. Begging her for forgiveness any time she inspected the place. Few would ever dare to even think of crossing her again. Veronica, frankly, was terrified of this woman. Yet she was fascinated by her. Mesmerized. It wasn’t hard to do what Evelyn said.

”Get up.” Evelyn ordered, gazing down with contempt. Veronica had almost forgotten that she was kneeling, hands clasped, head bowed, begging to be paid fairly. “You do understand I honor contracts, even if they’re only verbal, don’t you? It’s honestly cute seeing you act so pathetic, but I was joking about not paying you. Since you want to beg like you’re one of my servants though,” she said as she tossed the money on the ground with a devilish grin, “what do we say?”

“Thank you” Veronica said, picking up the money as she bowed her head in humiliation. Evelyn was just confusing. She couldn’t tell when she was joking.

”Thank you, what?” Evelyn raised an eyebrow as she lowered her sunglasses.

”Thank you, Miss Porter,” Veronica responded.

”Good girl. Now I have some advice for you. The money.” Evelyn said, removing her sunglasses as it had become too dark for them now. “It’s already late, but you have six more days off, right? I don’t think you should blow the money. I think you should save it, because you may need it sometime. Pretending to be something you’re not, rich for a night, that’s how people end up on the street. You could use that time far more productively. Plus as I said, it’s late, too late to clean up and go out tonight.”

Veronica thought for a moment. She knew it should bother her that Evelyn was so condescending, treating her like she needed permission to do anything she chose, treating her like she had authority over her. Yet she couldn’t shake the feeling that Evelyn knew what she was talking about. It wasn’t often that Veronica made this kind of money. “You’re right Ev- Miss Porter.” She was no longer on her knees, having stood after picking up the money and having been told to get up, but Evelyn continued to sit and scroll through her phone. The contrast between them could only be made more clear if Veronica put on a servant’s uniform. “I’m too tired anyway.”

”As you should be after a long day of hard work you’re suited to. It’s good for you. It gives you discipline and purpose. Exactly what a good servant needs.” She laughed as she saw how Veronica shook. “A joke. You can stay here tonight. You won’t really bother anyone. There’s plenty to room.”

Veronica trembled for a moment “Miss Porter I would feel like a mooch, and I’ve never stayed in a place so nice. It’s a palace. I don’t want to get in the way.”

Evelyn stared blankly at her. “Veronica. It’s a 4 story mans- well I suppose palace does actually fit far more than mansion does, there’s plenty of room. Plus you’ve been my brother’s best friend almost your entire lives. You’re welcome here, and you’ll also be safer here than in the hovels you tend to call home. My security does routine patrols to make sure this place is secure, my servants are safe, and no scary squatters are roaming around this place.” She stood up and beckoned for Veronica to follow her. “Come.” she commanded, and Veronica felt her feet move before she could say anything.

”Miss Porter I-“ she paused as she was lead through the halls and towards her room. Evelyn opened the door to a guest bedroom that looked like some sort of hotel suite only royalty would be allowed to stay in. “Do I even belong in a place like this? It’s like something a Queen would live in. Why are you being so nice to me?”

”Then you’re the Queen’s guest, so try to be a little more appreciative. I like you more than I think you think I do, Veronica. You’ve known my family so long it feels like you belong with us, and regardless, I like people who understand their place.” 

Veronica couldn’t tell if that was a joke or not. Instead she reacted by bowing her head. “How do I repay you for this, Miss Porter?”

Evelyn sighed with annoyance. “Look, if you’re that desperate to earn your keep around here I can always put you to work tomorrow. The entire week if you impress me. How would you like that, girl? Staying here for your birthday, and earning the privilege by serving me?”

”I- I- M-Miss Porter I” Veronica stammered and shook. The thought horrified her, but how could she say no? 

”Speak, girl.” Evelyn commanded while giving another finger snap directly in Veronica’s face. This one wasn’t a joke. This was clearly an order.

Veronica didn’t want to admit it but she was turned on, so much so that she spoke without thinking. “It would be an honor Miss Porter. I won’t disappoint you.” She regretted saying it, her mind screaming “NO NO NO NO WHY WOULD I SAY THAT,” but it was too late. 

Evelyn became colder as she closed the door to the guest bedroom. “Come.” She commanded again. Veronica would, of course, obey. Eventually, Veronica would be lead to a section of this floor that was quite clearly for servants, though Evelyn’s seemed more like mindlessly obedient slaves. “Yours.” She said, leading Veronica into one. “Maybe this is more comfortable for you. More suitable for you. As I said, if you impress me tomorrow you get to stay here as my servant for the remainder of your vacation. If you impress me enough you can even come back sometimes.” She said as Veronica stepped into the room. It felt more like a walk in closet than anything. “You have a bed, a lamp, and you have a week’s worth of uniforms hanging up. The alarm clock is set for 5:30am and can’t be changed. You will serve me breakfast in bed at 6:30am, in uniform, and you will address me as Mistress. I expect unquestioning obedience, if this is what you want, and disobedience or speaking out of turn do go severely punished. Maybe this will teach you to be grateful for opportunities like the one you passed up earlier.”

Veronica was embarrassed, and hoped this was a joke she was falling for again. Even if it wasn’t she could always leave. She wasn’t bound by anything to stay here, but Evelyn’s domineering presence was hotter than she wanted to admit. She’d looked at stories about things like this before but had never thought much of them. Now she had an opportunity to live one. Plus her life was going nowhere fast. What if she could be a maid? A servant? A slave? She shook as chills ran down her spine. A dark backup plan for her life, but if she passed this up, how would she ever know for sure? She gulped and trembled, much to Evelyn’s clear amusement. “I love it. Thank you, Mistress.” Without a word Evelyn left her in her new room, and with the silence came a hum. Veronica couldn’t pinpoint where it was coming from. It was low and droning, and seemed simultaneously calming and distracting.

She wasn’t sure when she fell asleep but Veronica was in uniform, looking like an immaculate representation of the home, at 6:30am serving breakfast in bed to her Mistress for the week. Evelyn was clearly enjoying this, and smiled as Veronica stood out of the way with her hands behind her back waiting for orders. Veronica thought she’d seen maids act like this in movies, and that maybe she should do it too.

“It suits you more than you know, Veronica. I haven’t even trained you yet, and look at you. Humble, obedient, ready to serve.” Evelyn said as she enjoyed a bagel. “Lay out my clothes. Navy blue business suit today. It should be right in the middle of the closet.”

”Yes Mistress.” Veronica said as the previous compliment sunk in. She did feel oddly comfortable, even if nervous, and it was easy to just obey rather than think about it too much. Plus she slept better than she had in weeks. At first she thought the hum she noticed pulsating through her room would bother her, but it actually became comfortable once she laid down to sleep. She suspected so anyway, given that she didn’t actually remember trying to sleep. She was admittedly having fun so far. Being a maid didn’t seem too hard, and her uniform made her feel kind of cute. She couldn’t tell anyone this is how she spent her birthday, or her vacation, but what if this was exactly what she needed? At the very least maybe she would feel more motivated to ensure this did not become a permanent arrangement. Maybe she could try her hand at college again. Maybe Evelyn was helping her in her own twisted way. “Thank you for all-“

”ssh.” Evelyn sternly interrupted. “You show your gratitude through obedience. You’re already doing well at this, but don’t speak out of turn. It’s okay to say yes Mistress, it’s okay to ask how you may serve when you’re summoned and permitted to enter the room, it’s okay to ask permission to speak otherwise, it’s okay to announce a guest you bring to me, but you don’t have freedom of speech. Maids are to be highly disciplined and obedient servants, speaking only when necessary.”

”Yes Mistress.” Veronica said, attempting to curtsey. She wanted to apologize, but chose to show it rather than say it. She chose to obey, and did not realize that this was the beginning of the end for her freedom.

”That’s better.” Evelyn said, satisfied. “After you have dressed me and have carried my briefcase, walking behind me to my limo before handing it off to me, you will meet with Hilda. Hilda isn’t the actual head maid here, but think of her like this specific floor’s manager. She will put you to work, and she will report to me when I return home. Don’t give me a reason to punish you, Veronica, it may break you and leave you stuck like this. I will return at approximately 6pm today. You will be at the door waiting to carry my things. You will welcome me home. You will draw me a nice bath, and you will wait on me hand and foot until I send you to your new living space. Clear?”

Veronica gulped. This felt so real. Her new living space? This was supposed to be temporary, but what if Evelyn didn’t let her go? What could she do if that happened? Evelyn had so much power, and Veronica was borderline penniless. She was just a member of the staff now, and each floor had so many maids she blended in with each of them so easily that she could probably be forgotten among them. Evelyn truly seemed like the Queen of a society to slaves in this place. She had so many at her beck and call that she had to number most of them rather than let them keep their names. Would Veronica get to keep her name? Did it matter now? This home was so organized. So functional. So efficient. This place was like the definition of order. Veronica wasn’t just turned on, but something within her that was far deeper than that told her that maybe she could become a part of something like this. A cog in a greater machine, serving someone who seemed infinitely greater than herself, her only purpose to serve and obey. She would curtsey to her new Ruler, and while she would have second thoughts later and her inner self would scream at her not to make this mistake, a deep and genuine “yes Mistress, I live only to serve” would escape her lips.