Learning past

Alice - POV

I could feel the gaze of everyone in this realm fixed upon me, and I couldn't blame them. This place was teeming with renegade warlocks and witches, and encountering dragon shifters was probably a rare sight. After we entered the grand mansion, Varina motioned for me to sit on the plush couch.

With a snap of her fingers, a teapot and cup materialized out of thin air. I lifted the cup, which was levitating in front of me. I savored the aroma of chamomile tea that Varina had just poured into it.

As I sipped the tea, I felt my nerves gradually ease. Varina scrutinized me with a concerned expression, and I met her gaze. "I'm sorry to be a bother," I murmured quietly.

"You're not a bother at all," she replied, smiling to put me at ease. Perhaps she sensed my introverted nature and the awkwardness around strangers.

"I heard from my husband that Prince James is your mate," she said, pausing as she observed me fidgeting with the cup handle and avoiding eye contact.

"Varina,