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 farm Charlie had asked her to purchase, and she would spend the day there with Vera whenever they could, tending to the livestock as well as taking strolls with the cats and dogs.

Still, after spending so much time with Vera, Helena's curiosity toward her grew.

She noticed that despite Vera's youthful appearance, there was a calm air and maturity about her, and she possessed way too many skills without any prior instruction. She was certainly surprised that someone so young would have mastered