Second Handmaiden
The Second Handmaiden of the Sapphire Throne is a high-ranking administrative and ceremonial title within the inner court of the Sapphire Empire. Often described as the Imperial Aide-de-Camp, the Second Handmaiden serves as the Empress’s primary aide on internal imperial affairs — coordinating court functions, managing cross-ministry scheduling, and directly assisting the First Handmaiden in execution of sovereign duties.
Unlike her senior counterpart, the Second Handmaiden rarely acts as a public proxy of the Empress. Instead, she ensures that the mechanisms of governance surrounding the Empress remain in motion — from private briefings to internal delegation management. Her role is functional, constant, and deeply trusted.
Qualifications
Demonstrated administrative acumen and reliability
Prior service within an imperial ministry, palace office, or high-level clerical position
Absolute discretion in handling confidential materials
Familiarity with court ritual, protocol, and interrealm policy flow
Loyalty to the Sapphire Throne
Requirements
Must be an imperial subject in good standing
Cleared through internal screening by the Ministry of Public Welfare and Order
Cannot be a current member of a political party, council, or ruling family
Must swear a formal oath of service and discretion
Appointment
The Second Handmaiden is appointed by the Empress or the First Handmaiden, following imperial authorization. The appointment is not ceremonial in nature, and usually occurs privately, often followed by a period of observational training alongside the First Handmaiden.
The position is not term-limited, and may be held until resignation, reassignment, or dismissal by the Empress.
Duties
Coordinates with the First Handmaiden on implementation of court schedules, event preparation, and ceremonial protocols
Manages internal communications between the Throne and various ministries
Oversees daily function of the Sapphire Palace’s administrative wing
Prepares reports, briefing notes, and ceremonial scripts for the Empress
Organizes interrealm dispatches and secure correspondence
Supervises other attendants and junior aides within the palace
Responsibilities
Maintain uninterrupted logistical flow of the Empress’s daily governance
Serve as liaison between palace staff and external ministry representatives
Prepare travel manifests, delegation lists, and royal itineraries
Ensure all preparations are complete for meetings of the Council of 75 or Sapphire Asssembly.
Benefits
Residence within the Sapphire Palace, typically within the Handmaiden’s Wing
Full protection under the Sapphire Glaive
Modest lifetime stipend and pension upon retirement
Access to secured archives, select vaults, and inner ceremonial chambers
Limited but direct access to the Empress or her Proxy
Accoutrements & Equipment
Carries a Violet Emblem Pin on the collar, denoting active service within the Handmaiden hierarchy
Often equipped with an imperial scribe unit or ledger for administrative tasks
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
The Second Handmaiden may be dismissed under the following conditions:
Betrayal of oath or breach of silence
Dereliction of duty or sustained neglect
Involvement in court scandal or political manipulation
By will of the Empress or First Handmaiden, with or without explanation
There is no formal tribunal. Dismissal may be private or made public depending on the context.
History
The role of Second Handmaiden was established in the early reign of Empress Salena, alongside the formal appointment of the First Handmaiden. As the Sapphire Court expanded to administer a unified empire across 75 Realms, a need arose for a trusted logistical aide who could manage internal schedules, directives, and ministerial interactions on behalf of the Throne.
While not designed for public visibility, Second Handmaidens have been instrumental in managing crises behind the scenes, often serving as the stabilizing point between the Empress’s intent and the machinery of the Sapphire Assembly.
Cultural Significance
The Second Handmaiden is not widely known among the general populace, but within the imperial court and bureaucratic ministries, the title is one of immense practical influence. Her presence typically signifies the Empress’s administrative will is being enacted.
Among civil administrators and lower palace staff, the Second Handmaiden is often regarded as “the Hand of the Court” — the one who makes the Empress’s daily vision executable.
Form of Address
Second Handmaiden
Equates to
While unique in structure, the Second Handmaiden's role is loosely comparable to:
Chief of Staff (modern executive offices)
Majordomo (historical courts)
Imperial Aide-de-Camp in Military tradition
Source of Authority
Directly empowered by the Sapphire Empress, or by the First Handmaiden under imperial directive. The Second Handmaiden’s authority is operational, not political, and does not extend to decision-making beyond delegated duties.
Length of Term
Life
First Holder
Current Holders
Reports directly to
Related Locations
Related Organizations
