A Dash of Ducks and Danger - An Ugly Duckling Retelling

Jul 30, 2026

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A singular invitation ignites excitement and unease in the salons of Lavendelle as, in honor of the crown prince’s impending birthday, a royal culinary competition draws ambitious bakers—while leaving some quietly overlooked. Rumors swirl about the infamous Hawthorne twins judging the event and about Prince Florent presiding over the contest, raising questions of eligibility and intrigue. In the midst of palace bustle, Elinor tries to navigate pressure, self-doubt, and new baking expectations as her mother insists she must participate.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryStory & Novel

FormatPDF

Pages129

Reading Time3 h 19 min

AccessFree to download

Whispers from the Kitchen Door: New Amusement for Season Arrives

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Whispers from the Kitchen Door: Roster of Royal Interest Revealed

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Whispers from the Kitchen Door: First Round Unsettles Bakers

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Baking Together

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Whispers from the Kitchen Door: Scandal Returns for Second Helping

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Royal Engagement Announced

Epilogue

Doughnuts with Lemon Curd and Lavender Drizzle

Acknowledgments

Enchanting Confections

A Renewed Hope

About the Author

[OceanofPDF.com](OceanofPDF.com) ADash of Ducks and Danger Copyright © 2026 by Robyn Sarty. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact Belwood Publishing. The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred. Book Cover by MoorBooks Edited by Nicole Schroeder Art by Maria Qetsu Paperback: 978-1-990223-53-2 Ebook: 978-1-990223-52-5 [OceanofPDF.com](OceanofPDF.com) Contents Dedication Whispers from the Kitchen Door: New Amusement for Season Arrives 1. Chapter 1 2. Chapter 2 Whispers from the Kitchen Door: Roster of Royal Interest Revealed 3. Chapter 3 4. Chapter 4 5. Chapter 5 6. Chapter 6 Whispers from the Kitchen Door: First Round Unsettles Bakers 7. Chapter 7 8. Chapter 8 9. Chapter 9 10. Chapter 10 Whispers from the Kitchen Door: Scandal Returns for Second Helping 11. Chapter 11 12. Chapter 12 Baking Together 13. Chapter 13 14. Chapter 14 15. Chapter 15 16. Chapter 16 Whispers from the Kitchen Door: A Crown Among the Confections Minor Incident Disrupts Royal Baking Competition 17. Chapter 17 18. Chapter 18 Royal Engagement Announced Epilogue Doughnuts with Lemon Curd and Lavender Drizzle Acknowledgments Enchanting Confections ARenewed Hope About the Author [OceanofPDF.com](OceanofPDF.com) To all the women who fear they are too tall or too much. You are perfect and beautiful as you are. [OceanofPDF.com](OceanofPDF.com) The salons of Lavendelle have been all aflutter this week with the arrival of a most singular invitation — much to the distress of those who found themselves overlooked. In honor of the forthcoming birthday of the crown prince, the palace has seen fit to arrange a most diverting spectacle: a culinary competition already stirring considerable interest within polite society. Although many particulars remain veiled, recipients are granted but asennight in which to signal their acceptance and enter the fray, flour-dusted ambitions and all. It is further rumored that the judging shall be entrusted to the infamous Hawthorne twins of distant Eldermere, whose recent appearance at the Lavendelle Assembly Rooms occasioned no small degree of notice. Their striking blue eyes and foreign distinction ensured they were much remarked upon, even despite their lack of noble pedigree. Your correspondent, ever attentive where such matters are concerned, maintains a discreet ear at the kitchen door and shall report further developments as they arise. Postscript: A whisper, newly arrived: The dashing second son of the crown, Prince Florent, is said to preside over the competition. As he is widely regarded asthe most handsome of the bachelor princes, one cannot help but wonder whether the list of competitors may reflect a certain interest in his eligibility. ~ Your Faithful Kitchen Spy [OceanofPDF.com](OceanofPDF.com) Nohaonllse wofhoHadnfleevurerPsealeanceLEldlinorhavedesMontmoupposedrehctheapagbildeodf baking. They would have been right. Her mother refused to let that be a consideration as she glided down those very halls as quickly as she could—without appearing to rush, of course, as rushing simply wouldn’t do. Elinor walked behind her, keeping her strides as short as possible, a difficult feat for a woman who stood taller than most men. She kept her eyes straight ahead so she wouldn’t have to see herself in the many ornate mirrors that lined the hall. Her own reflection did not fit with the dainty and delicate decor. “Mother, I really do not think…” she tried t

FAQs

What event is announced in Lavendelle?

A culinary competition is arranged in honor of the forthcoming birthday of the crown prince, complete with acceptance deadlines and participation requirements.

Who are the rumored judges of the competition?

The judging is rumored to be entrusted to the infamous Hawthorne twins of distant Eldermere, whose appearance has already drawn significant attention.

Why is Elinor reluctant to join the competition?

Elinor worries she cannot bake and has never tried, but her mother insists on lessons and her participation despite her concerns.

Jul 30, 2026

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