"How do you know it's yours? We've only just arrived here?" the frog asked with a hint of caution.
"Because a Princess needs a castle befitting her status" Nicola replied haughtily "I wouldn't expect a toad to understand. Now hop along, my throne awaits!"
Not wanting to be left alone in this strange reality, James did as he was told, though his new size and form of movement was taking some getting used to. To James' amazement, as the pair made their way towards their destination passers by would stop in awe to stare at Nicola, bowing or courtseying in reverence with shouts of "Long live Princess Nicola!" and "Hooray! Princess Nicola has returned!" quickly becoming a familiar sound. Nicola waved back regally and somewhat smugly without ever cracking a smile.
"Wow, you really got the better end of this deal" James grumbled.
As the castle came into view, the locals suddenly fell silent and appeared somewhat uneasy. All except one, a sinister looking old crone who had appeared as if from nowhere and, unlike anyone else so far, felt confident enough to approach the Princess.
"Good afternoon, your Highness" the witch smiled at Nicola.
"And who might you be?" Nicola winced.
"My name is Morag, and I am the most powerful witch in the Kingdom" the old woman explained "Forgive me for being so bold, but I thought it may be beneficial for you if I accompanied you to the castle. There is something I would like to discuss"
"No, I don't think that would be appropriate" Nicola countered dismissively before a thought occured to her "although..."
She lifted James up as if he were her property and handed him to the old woman "My friend here has been cursed. See to it that he is restored to his former self"
"No, Nicola, wait..." James tried to protest, but both women ignored him.
"Certainly, I will see what I can do" the witch smiled, grabbing the bargaining chip Nicola had offered her a little too enthusiastically for James' liking.
"Very well, send him to the castle when you're done" Nicola ordered as she left the pair alone.