The fandom theories were right, but I was NOT ready for that cliffhanger 😭 this isn't Rom-com (Perfect crown)
This episode was an absolute blast, but it really made me realize how much of this show’s "fluffy rom-com" start was actually a brilliant, calculated build-up. The narrative logic is hitting so hard now!
I felt so bad for I-an when Hee-joo said she had nothing left to give him. But honestly? I don't see her dad as a villain here. As a father, he was completely right to demand a divorce to pull her out of that political hellhole. Looking at Hee-joo’s character psychology, her stepping into the line of fire wasn't just foolishness. It was pure character growth. She spent the whole show teaching I-an not to bend to the palace, only to realize that sometimes you *have* to yield to protect the person you love. (But seriously, discuss it with him first, girl! 😭). That painful separation was entirely necessary, though; the emotional payoff of her finally confessing her mistakes wouldn't have hit the same without that angst! 🫣
Okay, let's talk about the Prime Minister. I knew that guy was fishy since episode 1! I thought he might get a redemption arc, but seeing him threaten the Queen Mother and ally with QM's dad completely erased that. His motivation is crystal clear now: he wants to abolish the royal family because the cabinet is sick of cleaning up their messes. He’s deliberately leaking their scandals to bring them down. And Hee-joo complicated his grand plan. His desperation to separate them isn't just about his unrequited feelings for her—he's way too pragmatic for that. She is the wildcard ruining his political chessboard.
I genuinely thought the endgame was abolishing the monarchy, but after hearing the Royal Decree, I'm skeptical. It feels more like they are protecting it now. Maybe they'll find a middle ground where I-an acts as regent until his nephew is responsible enough, while giving the cabinet more power?
Also, huge shoutout to Tae-joo! I always knew her brother didn't hate her; him taking all the heat for the contract was so sweet. And Hee-joo taking absolutely NO shit from the council was fantastic! The absolute high of the King's decree being announced in front of the council, the PM freaking out, and Hee-joo desperately running to I-an? IMMACULATE. And that highlight kiss... yeah, we can just assume the royal heir is on the way 😜🫣.
(Side note: the second aide couple slowly getting to know each other is so cute!).
It makes so much sense why I-an still holds onto his guilt—he actually *did* want the throne initially, which caused that pre-marriage fight with his brother. He is protecting his nephew not the king this line says it all.
And wow, the fans who theorized about I-an and the Queen Mother's history were right! She sacrificed her love for power and wanted him to do the same. But honestly, it seemed like he only saw her as a friend. (Part of me thinks that flashback was totally added by audience demand 😂).
But that tragedy with the late King... he actually locked himself?! During fire?! He even abandoned his own son, sent the king's robe to yan because he couldn't take a stand for himself, I think his early decision could have stopped ruining so many lives.
Even Lil king locked himself and QM ordered it set on fire so he will come out, does she even love him? But realizing the lil King knew *everything* (that his father never wanted the throne, and that she basically told him to die just before he died)... she is completely broken. I think this guilt will trigger her to help I-an and finally redeem herself.
And then that blast at the end of episode 10! I-an almost dying right after the PM asked to meet him? If someone has to be eliminated, let it be the PM—maybe that will be his own twisted redemption. Someone is definitely dying next week (probably the PM, the QM, or one of their aides), but they better NOT touch our main couple!!
Super excited for the finale, but so sad it's ending next week! 😭🥺