He couldn’t help wincing a bit, having expected more than just the pat on his cheek. Her offer still had him hesitant, though. Despite her claim of granting him a wish, he knew he had to be careful with what he asked for, or else it would set her off again.

As he thought, he reached up, and his fingers brushed over the collar. Then he got an idea.

“There’s nothing I could ever desire more than you, Mistress. But...maybe you could remove this collar?” He held up his hands. “I promise I won’t leave the castle. It would...just be nice to have a bit more room to move around.”