A HEART FOR AN EYE.

CHAPTER 1: LIFE OF THE PARTY.

The days following the blind conception of the Crown Prince of Neju Kingdom were tough on the land and the people of Neju Kingdom. Rain was reduced to only a few little sprinkles of drizzles here and there, hunger roamed the land like it belonged, and laughter was a thing of the past for many. But this day promised to be a happy one.

The sun had risen earlier than usual, and by evening, it was settling into a warm with an occasional gentle breeze kind of weather to set off the perfect party mood.

Decorations were already in place and the invited noblemen of Neju Kingdom and dignitaries from neighbouring kingdoms were already being welcomed into the palace and ushered into the ball room to celebrate the beautiful queen of Neju on her thirtieth birthday.

The grand palace of Neju was more of a royal city where all the royal members and their servants lived. The king's palace was the State House and the headquarters where the head of the kingdom stayed, all political matters were discussed, and all royal celebrations were held.

So, on a day like this one, the palace seemed to be dancing perfectly on its toes with all the excitement bouncing off the walls of the air.

Everybody was up and about, children were stealing balloons and filing them with water from the fountains, their parents and nannies were running after them, and hilariously failing to keep up.

The royals merry made with classy and luxurious outfits, music that could only be rivaled by Mozart's Symphony, feasts fit only for the gods, the oldest of wines and the finest of China. Days like these were truly a sight to behold.

Mrs. Jeon Ahn Soo, the very friendly and bubbly middle-aged royal chef with a cheerful gummy smile, was humming a little song as she stirred one of the pots of beef she had on low heat to keep it warm. The aroma of the rich broth filled the air, mingling with the scents of other delicacies being prepared for the grand celebration.

Suddenly, an uproar of drums and welcome cheers rose into the sky, making its way to her ears. She couldn't help the shivers of anticipation that ran down her body.

Everybody loved a great kingdom party, and even though she was only to attend in service, she was glad she was one to behold so much beauty and splendor all in one place, thanks to her position in the palace kitchen and the favor of the queen.

She hurried to the palace kitchen window to spy on what the excitement was about and almost slipped on a wet spot on the floor. Catching herself just in time, she craned her neck to get a better view. The courtyard was alive with color and motion-banners fluttered in the breeze, and the people of the kingdom, dressed in their finest attire, gathered to welcome the arriving guests.

"Careful there, Mrs. Jeon!" called out Eun, one of her assistants, as he carried a tray of freshly baked bread to the serving table.

"Thank you, Eun," Mrs. Jeon replied with a laugh. "I nearly ended up in the pot with the beef!"

"My dearest Soraya," Ahnsoo gently called out amidst the bustling kitchen, "would you please dry this place? It's an accident waiting to happen."

"Right away, Ahnsoo-ssi!" Soraya chirped, practically skipping over to grab a rag. She attacked the spill with gusto, making sure every drop was banished before darting back to the window to catch a glimpse of the arriving guests.

Outside, the Fated Princes of Neju from the Northern region had just arrived, resplendent in their gold-themed attire.

"Wow, look at those outfits! Pure gold," Ahnsoo exclaimed, peering out the window with awe.

"My vote's in for Fated Prince Namjoon of the North. That gold is blindingly good," Ji Si Ana declared decisively to her colleagues.

"Come on, Siana, it's too early to decide. Half the guests aren't even here yet," Ahnsoo countered, gripping the window frame in excitement.