THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER WORKED AS A PALACE MAID… UNTIL THE PRINCE FELL MADLY IN LOVE MIKE GODSON

The story opens with a daughter, Amui, confronting her blind father, Papa, about his recurring nightmares, which began the day he lost his sight. She suspects these dreams are a result of him offending his "chi" and urges him to confess, warning him of a lonely death and family shame if he doesn't. Under pressure, Papa reveals he is suffering due to an ancient pledge. A flashback shows Papa as a young man, caught by royal guards for being outside during a coronation. He explains he was seeking herbs for his sick mother. The newly crowned High Prince, showing mercy, pardons him. In gratitude, Papa pledges that one of his children will forever serve the royal family. Back in the present, Amui is terrified this pledge means she will face death, but her father insists he'd rather face punishment than see his lineage cut short. He explains that no one prospers in life or the afterlife if their chi bears witness against them. Later, the palace prepares for new maids and guards. Amui, despite her fears, decides to honor her father's pledge and prepares to leave for the palace as a servant. Her father, heartbroken but proud, blesses her with favor in the palace. He also mentions he has arranged for a young man, Mazbe, to check on her. Amui promises her father she can take care of herself and will miss him. As she leaves, her father's sight is miraculously restored. Meanwhile, the King and Queen of Umuz are discussing their son, the Prince. The Queen praises her husband for being loyal to one wife, a rare feat. Their son, the Prince, is preparing for his marriage to Princess Adza from another kingdom, a union meant to solidify a truce. He is excited about the marriage, hoping it will be as loving as his parents'. Amui arrives at the palace as a new maid. She encounters the chief maid, Tamina, who is strict and demeaning. Amui is assigned to assist in preparing the Prince's meals, but Tamina reminds her of her low rank. The Prince, bored with palace life, sneaks out with his personal guard, Chima, for an adventure. They encounter Amui, who is also out hunting, carrying weapons. Amui, undeterred by Chima's attempts to intimidate her, confidently asserts herself. The Prince is intrigued by her bravery and spirit. Later, another maid, Chetta, falls ill and asks Amui to cover her shift serving the Prince. Amui, initially hesitant about deceiving the palace, agrees. However, Tamina catches Amui serving the Prince and accuses her of impropriety. The Prince, recognizing Amui as the "hunter," intervenes, requesting only a lashing for her instead of imprisonment. He is surprisingly lenient. Chetta later apologizes to Amui, explaining she needed to sneak out to bid farewell to a lover who had completed his service. Amui forgives her. The Prince's marriage to Adza proceeds. Adza, however, is more concerned with upholding royal traditions and her father's teachings than forming a genuine connection with the Prince. She prioritizes her image and status, constantly seeking accolades and avoiding activities she deems beneath a royal. This creates a rift between her and the Prince, who desires companionship and a loving partnership. He tries to engage her in activities like feeding poultry, but she dismisses them as servant's work. The Prince finds himself increasingly drawn to Amui, who is intelligent, independent, and insightful. He is impressed by her perspective on freedom, purpose, and kindness, which contrasts sharply with Adza's views. Amui believes in making an impact and serving humanity, regardless of praise, and that true freedom comes from within. The Prince seeks advice from his mother, expressing his unhappiness in his marriage. His mother advises patience, reminding him of Adza's royal upbringing. She suggests he try to understand Adza's hobbies, which include beauty products, jewelry, and embroidery. The Prince, however, finds these "petty." The King, observing his son's growing frustration, suggests he try archery, a skill he himself once used to impress the Queen. The Prince takes to it, finding solace in the activity. During an archery showcase, Adza refuses to stay in the sun, prioritizing her appearance over supporting her husband. This further alienates the Prince. Amui, meanwhile, commends the Prince's archery skills, calling him an "excellent beginner" and humbly stating she is more experienced. Intrigued, the Prince assigns Amui as his personal maid and requests her to accompany him on a hunting trip. He also decides to dedicate his next hunt to widows in the community, a suggestion from Amui, demonstrating his growing alignment with her values. Adza, feeling neglected, decides to move into her own chamber, citing the need for space for her extensive wardrobe. The Prince is deeply hurt, lamenting that he married for companionship, not just for procreation. He attempts to reason with Adza, but she maintains her stance, always quoting her father's rigid royal doctrines. The Prince, increasingly frustrated with Adza's adherence to tradition and lack of genuine connection, confides in Chima, who observes the Prince is falling in love with Amui. The Prince initially denies it, asserting his loyalty to Adza, but his feelings are evident. The Queen, noticing the Prince's growing affection for Amui, orders Amui's confinement. Amui, however, easily bypasses the guards and confronts the Prince, asking if he ordered her confinement. He coldly tells her to know her place and obey orders. Despite his harsh words, he is visibly conflicted, wrestling with his duty to his marriage and his feelings for Amui. The King, noticing his son's distress, speaks to him. He acknowledges the Prince's love for Amui but urges him to be mindful of Adza's feelings. The King then asks the Prince to represent him at a business summit, as he is feeling unwell. The Prince agrees, and it is revealed that the royal physician has gone overseas for further studies, with a new doctor coming to the palace. The Prince, before leaving for the summit, spends a tender moment with Amui, promising to sort things out and asking for her faith. While the Prince is away, Adza, with the Queen Mother's help, plots to secure her position. They learn that Adza is infertile, diagnosed with PCOS. The Queen Mother devises a plan: fake Adza's pregnancy, while Amui, who is also pregnant with the Prince's child, will go into labor around the same time. Amui's child will be declared stillborn, and Adza will claim Amui's living child as her own. This plan aims to secure Adza's position and prevent the Prince from divorcing her. The Prince, upon learning of Adza's supposed pregnancy, is conflicted but eventually accepts it, hoping it will resolve the marital issues. Amui goes into labor. The Queen Mother ensures Amui delivers first, then, with the help of nurses, simulates Adza's labor. Amui is told her baby is stillborn, while Adza is presented with Amui's healthy son. The Prince is overjoyed with his son but still feels a pull towards Amui, who is grieving. Adza, despite having the child, continues to feel insecure and jealous of Amui. The Queen Mother reminds Adza to be content with the child and secure her position. Later, a maid named Chetta, burdened by guilt, reveals the truth to Amui: her baby is alive and is in the palace. Amui is devastated and wants to confront the Queen and Queen Regent, but Chetta urges caution, suggesting they gather evidence, specifically a maternity DNA test. The Queen Mother, also wracked with guilt, confesses to Amui that the baby is hers and that Adza manipulated her. She seeks Amui's forgiveness and pledges to help make things right. The Prince, now aware of the deception, confronts his mother. He is furious and heartbroken by her betrayal. During a public address, Adza attempts to claim the child, but the Queen Mother, now repentant, publicly steps down as Queen Regent and confesses to the plot, stating that the baby is Amui's. Adza is deposed and banished for her criminal acts, including stealing a child and assaulting the royal physician. The new King, who has now ascended the throne, announces sweeping reforms. He declares all pledged servants free to leave or work for monthly salaries. He also states that those who choose to start new families can either leave or work at the palace with payment. This decision liberates Amui and her family from the ancient pledge. The story concludes with Amui and the Prince, now free to be together, raising their child. The Prince reaffirms his love for Amui, promising she will be his queen and rule by his side.