One theme could be forbidden love. Since there is a huge social divide between a king and a female slave, their relationship is often not accepted by society or the court, creating a sense of the forbidden. Another theme is power imbalance. The king has all the power, and the female slave has very little, so how they navigate this in their relationship is a theme. For example, the female slave might be afraid to fully express herself due to the power the king holds over her.
Love against all odds is a very common theme. Despite the differences in their social status, they fall in love. It shows that love can transcend boundaries. In addition, there can be a theme of self - discovery. The king might discover a different side of himself through his relationship with the female slave, and the female slave might also find new strength and purpose in her life because of the king's love. This can lead to character development for both of them in the story.
Redemption can be a theme. Maybe the king is a cruel ruler at first, but through his relationship with the female slave, he becomes a better person. The female slave might bring out his humanity. Also, there could be a theme of sacrifice. The female slave may have to sacrifice her own desires or safety for the king's sake, or vice versa. In some stories, the king might sacrifice his reputation or political standing to be with the female slave.
The theme of transformation is also prevalent. The slave often transforms not only in social status but also in character. They might start as meek and submissive but end up as strong and influential. This can be seen in many ancient stories where the hardships of slavery mold the slave into a more resilient and capable person who can then interact with the king on equal or near - equal terms.
One example could be the story of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar. While Cleopatra was a queen, in the context of the Roman Empire, she could be seen in a sense as a 'female under the power' (not exactly a slave but in a complex power dynamic). Their relationship was filled with political intrigue as well as elements of romance. Caesar was a powerful figure like a king in the Roman world, and their union had significant impacts on the political landscape of the time.
One theme might be sacrifice. The mother could be seen as making sacrifices for the daughter, and the daughter, in a sense, is 'bound' by love and gratitude to the mother. But again, this is a very different and positive take on the rather odd - sounding title. Another could be about a mother - daughter relationship where the mother has a lot of control in the beginning but as the daughter grows, she gains her own independence, similar to a slave - like situation evolving into freedom.
Power and its abuse. Just as in traditional white master - black slave stories, in these inverted ones, we can see how power can corrupt. If a black master has white slaves, we can examine how power is used and misused in a different context. Also, themes of identity and how it changes with power can be explored. For example, a white person in a slave position may have to re - evaluate their sense of self - worth and superiority.
Love and relationship in a context of oppression is also a theme. Despite the social and power differences, there could be a story of love or some form of emotional connection developing between the white male slave and the black mistress. This challenges the norms of society at that time and forces the reader to think about the universality of human emotions even in the face of extreme social hierarchies.
One possible theme could be power dynamics. It might explore how a shift in power between a husband and wife can affect their relationship. Another theme could be identity, as the 'wife' in this story has a new role that might make her question who she is now.
One theme could be power and inequality. The gay slave owner, despite his own marginalized sexual orientation in some ways, still holds power over the slaves. It shows how power can be misused regardless of one's personal identity.
There could be a theme of social hierarchy. In a world like that of Merlin, there are clear hierarchies, and having Morgan as a slave would really highlight the differences in status. Also, a theme of friendship or loyalty could emerge. For example, how Merlin might react to Morgan's situation and whether their relationship would be affected by this new dynamic. It could also explore the theme of identity. Morgan's identity as a slave might conflict with her true self or her potential in the story.
One common theme is the transformation of the relationship. Initially, it's based on the power of the king over the slave. But then it often shifts to something more equal, like friendship or mutual respect.
One common theme would be freedom. The slave would probably strive for freedom from the king's control. Also, loyalty could be a theme. The king might expect loyalty from the slave, and the slave might have to decide whether to be loyal or rebel. Another theme could be identity. The slave may have to struggle with their identity as a low - status individual in the king's court while also having their own sense of self.