So I randomly decided to watch this drama because I liked the summary, but I wasn't sure how I would like a historical K-drama. The closest thing I've watched was Kingdom and obviously that had more of a fantasy aspect.

But I am so happy I decided to watch it. I was hooked with the first couple of episodes. The main leads acting was amazing. I could feel their emotions. I loved how the FL was loyal to her friends right to the end. It was just as refreshing to see that each one of her friends were just as loyal and there wasn't one that became jealous or petty.

I was so conflicted about how I felt about how they end up. I reaallly wanted them to have a happy ending, but a little glad that they didn't because it was a bit more realistic. Back in those days, King's affections were fickle and they had multiple concubines etc. Its nice to think that a King can have his one true love and live happily after but it doesn't always work that way. Honestly, though I did like the King , he was definitely selfish and just dumb to think she didn't truly love him at all. He wanted her and got her, but at the cost of everything she had -as she mentioned in the drama. She made that sacrifice because she really loved him and unfortunately she did have to shoulder things that came along with being a concubine/ having the kings love. Its sad because if you really think about it, this all stemmed from the Senior Court Lady's Plans. If she didn't purposely have the FL meet up with the Prince who knows. She may have not have fallen in love with him and just continued to live her life happily as a normal maid (but then this wouldn't have been a drama lol). I think that's the saddest part of it all-that she didn't want any of that in the first place.

This drama was truly a great story and to have it done within 17 episodes is great lol. Usually with Kdramas I find the emotional connection slightly lacking because I wish there were a bit more episodes to really delve into the characters/stories more but this was not the case with this drama for me (like cdramas-although cdramas sometimes have wayy too many episodes lol buutt you know when you see a c-drama have 40+ episodes and its a wuxia drama you know your emotions are going to be all over the place).

The only thing I didn't like too much was the character of Hong Deok Ro. It could be because I wanted a little more of a love triangle (i'm guilty-I love them, when done right), but I just didn't get his character. like was he bad? not bad? did he like her? not like her? it was a bit weird to me. Like the things he said to her were mad harsh but he never gave any positive comments to clear the air or anything. His character threw me off a bit. He kind of reminded me of a watered down Tuo Ba Yu from Princess Wei Young. But Tuo Ba Yu's character you knew he grew to love the princess in his own way.

All in all, I literally just finished this drama and had to come here and write a review because it was just that good. In my opinion, if you are like me , thinking of watching your first historical drama definitely watch this one. You will fall in love with the stories and main characters without feeling too depressed afterwards because its still a light 17 episodes lol.