I'll be the first to admit that this post might be a bit odd. Just some thoughts swirling around.
Lifestyle D/s is often described with comparison to known relationships throughout history. The Queen and the Knight. The Goddess and the devotee. The Mistress and the slave, etc. Each of these seems to describe an idealized relationship that loosely describes the dynamics of the situation.
Something odd about these comparisons are that the Domme's role is rooted in an established status. The elevated status generally implies a level of responsibility and type of conduct that is befitting of the role. While this works in some ways, it can be an adjustment for woman that do not regularly view themselves in this way.
Over the years I've thought about something new... that is a bit different.
I'm not sure when exactly, but early on in my life, but in most fiction (TV/Cartoons, Comics/novels, etc.) I often found myself more fascinated by villains than by heroes. Although there are a handful of exceptions, in many cases it is the villains who are complicated and interesting... that have good in them but have life experiences that have shaped their view of the world... and are driven by their own ambitions in light of those experiences.
If I envision myself in such a world, I do not relate with hero... nor with villain. If anything, I see myself as a henchman. If you take the average villain, they often have a cadre of henchmen, but one of them usually stands above the rest... the "alpha" so to speak.
The alpha henchman is rather fascinating. They are usually trustworthy, very capable/resourceful, and have a fanatical devotion to the one they serve. Basically, in terms of their raw capacities, they are often on par with the hero/villain, but they are missing something important: self-ambition.
If you have been exposed to a good amount of media you have probably encountered at least one situation where someone in power made a statement like, "I don't care what you have to do, just make it happen!" The henchman looks up with a fearful glance and leaves the room and through their own creativity they manage to make it happen without the assistance of a master plan or unlimited resources.
The story of the henchman is rarely told so much of the relationship between villain and henchman must be inferred. I see the henchman as a flawed individual. They do not have a clear-cut vision. They view right and wrong as the will of the one they serve. They are loyal to a fault. They devote themselves totally to someone else's dream, often without recognition, appreciation, or praise. They are motivated partly by fear but also by love, loyalty, and the desire not to disappoint. They willingly sacrifice themselves to protect the one they serve. Another important aspect is that they serve by choice.
In most fiction the alpha henchman is leaned upon heavily. The villain takes them for granted but has the utmost faith in their abilities. You get the feeling that failure is punished severely. The villain does not see the henchman as an equal, even if the henchman's greatest wish is to be special to them. In regards to pecking order, the lesser pawns are sacrificed first, but the villain will throw the alpha henchman to the wolves without hesitation if it will be of benefit.
For some reason this seems to resonate with me more than the other common D/s comparisons. I think part of it is that core of the Domme's status is not determined by divine birth, royal lineage, or wealth. The Domme villain only requires a strong will and ambition. She may be a bit volatile. Her demands may be unreasonable. The rules may not be fair or just. Her desires drive her to be strong.
This might seem strange but I find myself able to relate to this. I am loyal and capable. I will move the Earth if that is what she desires. I bind myself to her dreams.
I know that this isn't the most romantic ideal, but for some reason it speaks to me.
