If the conceited Princess Hortensia, the lazy, sleepy Princess Julienka and the cunning Princess Melanie had known what the bell hanging above the door to the royal chamber would reveal about them, they would never have come to the castle to woo her. But the bell did choose a good bride for Prince Marian. Madelenka, his childhood friend, was neither noble nor rich, but she was kind, hardworking and, most importantly, had long loved him.