A Pleasure to Serve

Mikhainon may have many businesses, but like with most things, he ran them like a well-oiled machine with nothing out of turn or out of place. He often spent his days however he liked, having more free time than his status would suggest. He never forgot appointments and anniversaries, and today was a special one.

Matilda may not have been aware of it, but today marked the 999th year that Matilda has been in his service. Even when the world changed and shifted into something completely different when they've first met, Matilda's loyalty to him never wavered. She deserved to be rewarded for her service.

A millennium was a big deal. He'd toyed with the idea that, perhaps, he would give her her freedom, but it seemed as if she was perfectly content where she was. She wasn't chained or forced to work. She came to him of of her own volition and stayed of her own volition. A prized pet, lovelier than any. He waited for her arrival, seated in his golden throne and sipping aged scotch. He put his glass down when she arrived and bowed. She was perfectly polite and paid the appropriate respects, as usual.

Mikhainon stood up. "Not late at all. Fast enough, given traveling time." Not fast enough for him, but he's learned to be less snippy about factors people couldn't help. Mikhainon gestured for her to follow him to the next room — a smaller study, humbler than the living room, with plush leather chairs. He gestured for Matilda to sit while he took one himself. He poured them both some brandy from the decanter.

"Are you aware of the date, my darling? Today marks the 999th year that you've been in my service. I have to say, I'm surprised and grateful about your dedication. Next year, you and I would've known each other for a full millennium." Mikhainon smiled, a warm expression in his normally cold, calculating face. He might not be able to experience a human's range of emotions, but he could still feel affection and fondness. He felt those for Matilda, right then. "How has the experience treated you? Is there anything you want, after all that?"

Mikhainon watched her take off her coat, appreciative of her outfit underneath it. It was a fine choice for her, and one that brought her personal power. When his pets were lovely and obedient, Mikhainon took a personal interest to their growth, and working for his establishments gave that to Matilda, as well as satisfied her need to be of use to him.

The answer pleased him. He expected nothing less from her. Because he was anticipating it, he prepared something for this special occasion that he was sure would please her greatly. Mikhainon stood up and petted her lovely her, traced her features with his fingers, as if she was a prized doll. There were toys bigger and brighter than her, he had to admit, but there was something incredibly special about an old one, one that stayed by his side as the centuries crumbled and changed.

"Then perhaps it is time to make you mine." He stepped away from her and came back with a branding iron. Not anything typical used for animals. It was custom-made with his seal. He presented it to Matilda and pulled her up, tracing the pattern on her back with a finger. Mikhainon's form changes throughout history, and he had little doubt he'd be changing his name and appearance in the next century. His seal was one of the two constants that identified him. He brandished it all over his establishments and his home, all of his property. It was only right he brandished it on this one. "A big one around this area. Noticeable. A brand that, when people see it, recognize that you're mine."

He turned to look at her, a smile on his face, anticipating. "Would you like that?"