Book excerpt: Ella Kiral thought she detested being the daughter of a duke. She hated her nobility and for good reason. Being the last decedent of the proud Kiral line was not something Ella asked for, especially since she was anything but beautiful and had too much wit to be considered proper. Now, at 18, Ella is content to live out her days in her country estate with her two best friends and surrogate mother, all of whom are household servants. But when a letter comes announcing a competition for the Prince's hand, her life is turned upside down. Forced to confront her misconceptions, Ella finds herself making undying friendships with heartwarming and funny courtiers, as well as finding love in the most unpredictable of places.