One is the most honored young king under heaven, the other is an insignificant palace maid, all but invisible within the palace. Fate deliberately brings them together. They don't fall in love at first sight; instead, they keep each other company year after year in the lonely palace, their hearts drawing closer little by little. He teaches her to write and read poetry; she tells him how fascinating and beautiful the world beyond the palace walls is.
Even then, he knows she's like a bird, always gazing at the sky outside, destined to spread her wings and fly away one day.
Gradually, his days fill with her laughter and tears, her joys and happiness. His eyes see no one but her. He selfishly wants to keep her by his side forever, yet fears watching her smile slowly fade within the palace.
As she waits through the passing years, she too loses her heart and forgets that he has three thousand beauties in his harem, forgets that he is the greatest king in the land. She remembers only the way he affectionately calls her
