iaria

+ I was very ‘bitch please’ with Shin. Expecting Chae-kyung to be happy and warm at his return, even joking about her giving him a hug, when he completely ignored her many call the entire time. Saying he ‘didn’t do anything wrong’ after going on a date with the ex he still has feelings with and shared a kiss with? On top of ignoring Chae-kyung. And then taking the time to sneak the gift into her room only to coldly confess as soon as she approaches him about it that he didn’t buy it.

+ I did like Shin flipping her pillow of him to the smiling face. I also liked him pulling her into a hug.

+ I liked Shin showing appreciation for Manager Kong

+ Yul standing up for Chae-kyung and lying to try and protect her even after being warned by his mom that it could jeopardise their plans was great.

+ Yul asking his mom to make him the king really felt centred on Chae-kyung - the fact that he couldn't help her against the Queen, that Shin made her sad and lonely and he couldn't help her, plus his increasing surety that he was supposed to Chae-kyong's husband not Shin, that that was his role.

+ "You’re so slow it’s not even funny. After all those clues..." LOL! I mean he wasn’t wrong. I did like that how he said it – exasperated but it didn’t feel denigrating even though it maybe should have. Probably because of how softly he said it and the softness on his face as he gazed at her.

+ The Queen Mother is such a wonderful person. So optimistic and welcoming. I liked her scenes with Chae-kyong.

+ I do really love the palace maids/court ladies. I love watching them in the background. Chae-kyong’s relationships with hers are really lovely. I love how close they’ve gotten and how much they genuinely seem to adore her.