"In the most simplistic sense, except that the crown that makes a king a king is placed upon their head by the commoner. And the commoner can take that crown back whenever they want." The real power existed with the Submissive. Some Dominants tended to forget that.

"For a more salient example, say..." She thought for a moment, eyes finding one of the nearby vendors for inspiration. "Say I wanted to be primped and pampered, my hair groomed and braided, and given care and training like I was a prized show dog. For the unconditional love and attention or because I washed to not be human for a while. Or a variety of other possible reasons.

As a Submissive, I could give you - a Dominant - that control, and you would assume the power that comes with being my 'owner' or 'trainer', to fulfill that need or fantasy or release. With that comes an understanding of what I want and the responsibility to meet that. If a Dominant can't, they shouldn't agree and enter into the arrangement." Some level of trust should be present.

"Both parties can end it at any time, but depending on the kind of scene or kink, it's not uncommon during negotiations to establish a safe word - something the Submissive can day that the Dominant will know means to stop."