MANHANDLED

Waking up to a beautiful day with birds chirping in the trees, the sun shining brightly in the blue sky, and the Stone family’s butler never letting his master get enough sleep. “Excuse me, sir Damien you need to get out of bed now or you’re going to be late for your wedding.” Axel walked towards the bedside table and picked up the remote control for the room’s operations. Pressing a button, the curtains drew open, and the once dark room filled with light pouring through the tall glass windows. Feeling the sunlight on his face, Damien groaned and pulled the blanket over his head, reluctant to leave the comfort of his bed anytime soon. “Master Damien, please, you really must get up. We cannot afford to disrespect the Woodsman family. It’s your wedding day, sir, and arriving late will not only get you in trouble but me as well. I’m just the household butler, and Master Argent won’t go easy on me. Please, Master I beg of you, save us both.” His voice wavered as he looked at his young master, visibly conflicted and dejected. “Really? Now you want to cry, Axel? You talk a lot for a human. My pet parrot is quieter than you’ll ever be,” Damien muttered with a chuckle, removing the blanket from over his head and sitting up on the bed. “Okay, okay, I’m awake now. You don’t need to beg any further. It’s my wedding you shouldn’t be crying. You’ll need all the energy you’ve got just to keep me from running away from this whole thing.” A smug smirk formed on his striking morning face. “Master Damien…” Axel called out, shaken by what he’d just heard. Damien burst into laughter and headed for the bathroom. “I’d kill thousands just to see that expression on your face, any time, any day now wouldn’t I?” he said suggestively, disappearing into the bathroom. While Damien was showering, Axel went downstairs to collect the tailored suit that had just arrived. He returned to Damien’s room, making arrangements and giving orders to the household staff using a two-way radio. When everything was ready, Axel came back to check if Damien was dressed and ready to leave. Instead, he found him sitting by the window in nothing but a towel, sipping coffee and scrolling on his phone. “Master Damien, I sent two maids to help you get dressed. Where are they?” “Oh, my bad. I got a little shy and sent them away. I couldn’t bear them gawking at me with such infatuation. I mean, I know I look sexy and all, but I’d like my wife to be the first woman to undress me today. Is there a problem with that?” He looked at Axel innocently, pretending not to understand what he was doing. “Sir, you should spend more time with “young master” when you’re less busy. You could learn a few things from him. I age every second I spend with you. I don’t know why you’re doing this, but this wedding is important for both families. And you know what will happen if it doesn’t go through.” “Okay, old man, could you stop scolding me now, please? And don’t compare me to that no-fun brother of mine he’s basically a robot. He’s the embodiment of the Stone name.” He chuckled dramatically. “Alright, I’ll stop messing around and start getting dressed before you age into dust. I just can’t help teasing you it brings me joy.” He tossed his phone onto the bed and began dressing, each piece handed to him carefully by Axel. After putting on his tailored, deep black suit trousers, Axel passed him a crisp white shirt. “Old man, am I seriously meant to wear this white shirt under the jacket? You know that’s not my style. I want to swoop my bride off her feet in fashion. I don’t want to look like… you know who.” He raised an eyebrow meaningfully. “But Master Damien, Master Stone told me to pick something appropriate for the occasion. And everyone wears a white shirt under a suit,” Axel said. “Wow, you even added a tie how thoughtful,” Damien joked, eyeing it with distaste. “Old man, you know I won’t wear this. Don’t tempt me to throw a tantrum and cause you more stress.” “Then what will you wear? We’re already late!” Axel exclaimed, checking his wristwatch as his brow twitched with anxiety. “No need to panic. It’s not like I’m marrying the love of my life. The least they can do is wait for this perfect sacrifice to arrive on his own time. If not, I’ll just casually walk back to bed and think about the belle I had a lovely time with last night.” “Master!!” “Old man, chill. You might have a heart attack before I even say ‘I do’. Though that might be a good excuse to keep my bachelor life going until you recover.” “Master, nobody’s stopping this wedding for an old butler. And stop talking about running away.” “If you really want me to go to the venue, let me wear what I want. Don’t worry I’ll sweep my bride off her feet… and maybe her bridesmaids too. You know the saying: buy one, get one free. I’d love the whole train.” He laughed at Axel’s horrified expression, then wandered into his walk-in wardrobe. After what seemed like hours, he emerged wearing a pitch-black turtleneck and a double-breasted suit jacket with two rows of black buttons. The shoulder pads accentuated his already broad frame. His only accessory was a Rolex wristwatch. His jet-black French crop haircut complemented his sharp features perfectly. Sleek, polished black leather shoes completed his look. “Alright Axel, you can close your mouth now. I just saw a fly go past we wouldn’t want you choking on my beauty. Yes, I know… I’m exuding elegance.” He was being cocky again, as usual. Axel had no choice but to let it go they were already forty minutes late for his wedding. “Okay, sir. I agree with whatever you say. But Master Stone called me a few minutes ago asking why you weren’t at the venue yet. Everything’s been ready for a while now. You’re the last but most important piece.” “Oh, I forgot to tell you I’ll be driving myself. I don’t need an entourage. Let’s leave that to my brother he always enjoys flaunting his power.” “But sir, we were instructed to drive you. You know I can’t disobey orders.” “Do you want me to go to this wedding or not? Or are you just enjoying our little time together? And I’m not a child, okay? Try trusting me for once.” He walked downstairs and grabbed a key from the key shelf. “Hmm, Master, that’s the key to the Audi. You can’t be thinking of driving a sports car to your wedding…?” His question was met with silence as Damien headed outside, whistling, towards a pitch-black Audi R8. “Master, if I may ask why all black today? You know it’s your wedding, not your funeral, right?” “Old man, this wedding’s already signed my death warrant. Might as well look the part,” he said with a soft smile, slipping into the car and setting the GPS to Ashwyke Province before zooming off. Ashwyke Isle Nestled in the capital city of Ashdell, Esmiral, the picturesque Province is home to the enchanting Ashwyke Isle, located by the Cliffside Garden. A historic wedding venue steeped in noble tradition, it has long served as the ancestral haven of prominent families. The ceremony was set in a breathtaking walled garden perched on the cliff’s edge, where the sea wind whispered through weeping willows and silverleaf trees. A majestic stone archway, adorned with wisteria, white roses, and amethyst vines, framed the altar. Aisles lined with soft midnight blue velvet, embroidered with delicate patterns, guided the bride forward. Glass lanterns, suspended from iron crooks, cast a magical glow over the setting, their pale light whispering secrets of the fae. The entire place was filled with family members, friends, and influential figures politicians, top businessmen and women all patiently awaiting the arrival of the groom. ⸻