What kind of relationship do the Queen and Snow White have during their early years together in the novel, Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen?

The Queen wholeheartedly embraces her role as Snow White's stepmother and the two form a loving, supportive relationship: they truly act like mother and daughter. Their happiness is shattered when their land goes to war and King must support his troops in battle. He comes and goes in and out of their lives during the first few years of marriage, until one horrible day when he doesn't come home at all. The news of her husband's death shatters the Queen. Initially, she and Snow White cling to each other: the only family they have left. The Queen becomes fiercely protective of her daughter, refusing to let anyone upset her.