“So I am, but there are many things about this place you don’t yet understand. Magic so old it would take a lifetime to discover. I only know because I have lived several lifetimes thanks to the magic of these flowers,” she said, glancing at the golden flowers that seemed to cover the entirety of the landscape in the Many Kingdoms. “Now, how about that six-layer cake we discussed? Shall I make it ready for you?” she asked, her tone making it very clear she didn’t wish to answer any more of his questions.

“Six layers it is, then!” he said, shaking his head. “Tell me, are these Freaky Sisters as terrible as everyone says?” He found himself lowering his voice for fear of upsetting her with more questions.

“Oh, they are more terrible than you could possibly imagine. But perhaps the cake will distract them. I’ll have my husband, Mr. Butterpants, bring it out to the carriage for you, sir. Don’t you worry, they will love your gift,” said Mrs. Tiddlebottom, rushing off to the kitchen in a panic. James narrowed his eyes as he watched the nervous woman rush off, and wondered if he wasn’t taking this part of his adventure seriously enough.

James waited for more than an hour for the cake to be brought out, and when it was, he was surprised to see it was far larger than six layers, and adorned with a menagerie of marzipan animals. James had never seen such a cake, not even in the halls of royalty back in London. It was so massive they had to bring it out on its own horse-drawn cart.

“This is my husband, Mr. Butterpants. He will follow along behind your carriage, sir, and help with the delivery of the cake, but he won’t go into the Dead Woods, not for anything. It’s a dead place, sir, ruled by necromantic witches. Horrible things have happened there,” said Mrs. Tiddlebottom.

James hardly knew what to say. He didn’t dare ask why this husband and wife didn’t share a last name, but then he supposed they did things differently in this land. “While this is truly the most magnificent cake I have ever beheld, don’t you think it’s a bit much?”

Mr. Butterpants and Mrs. Tiddlebottom shook their heads.