I approached with series with a little bit of apprehension about the story line. I tooka few episodes to get into it; however, once I did it was gripping. It was an interesting story and you hold on right to the last half hour to see how everything turns out. But, well worth the watch.
Particular credit must be given to Kim Hye Soo for her excellent protrayal of a Queen who values and protects her family, her hisband (the King), the people she comes in contact with, and the country. Kim Hye Soo was excellent in this role.
Also worthy of mention is Oh Ye-ju as Yoon Cheong Ha. As a relatively new actress, she was excellent in her part. Bubbly, energetic, empathetic, and in-love she brought light and energy to every scene she was in. I suspect we will see much more of her.
And, this a bit of a spoiler, the cameo appearance by Jung Ji-hoon (Rain) in a scene with Yoon Cheong Ha was entertaining and fun. Oh Ye-ju is an actress under Rain's agency and it is said that his cameo was in support of his actress.