In the 1550s, sugar was something that only the very rich could afford, so when Nouveline and Sixten are invited to the home of King Gustav Vasa, they take the opportunity to feast on treats. The king uses the marzipan as medicine for his stomach ache, but unfortunately the marzipan gives the side effect caries. Nouveline and Sixten are also badly affected with many holes in their teeth and inflamed gums. The remedies of the time do not seem to help and Sixten visits the farrier to have him extract a tooth. Will it be his salvation and how will Nouveline fare?