Vera and Helena were the best of friends by the time Charlie and Merlin returned to Norway.

It was late winter, and there was barely any sunlight, so the whole country was basically going into hibernation, and the royal family was no different.

Foreign and domestic events were mostly suspended while the Queen stayed in seclusion, avoiding public appearances unless it was absolutely necessary.

Without much else to do, Helena spent nearly every day with Vera.

She had bought and tidied up the