Tyler's POV.
No! I thought Liam said he would buy me enough time to finish the picnic with Alicia. I thought to myself as we finally noticed the guard's presence behind us.
Alicia dropped her cutlery noisily, and I could see the dejected look on her face, and it clawed at my heart.
"Tell the elders I will be with them shortly; Liam should keep them..." I began, but she cut me off.
"No!" Her voice was firm and determined.
"You can't keep the council members waiting. The situation at hand is very important." Her voice wavered.
She didn't want me to leave, and at the same time, she knew she couldn't or shouldn't keep me here.
"I am so sorry, Alicia. This wasn't the plan; I..." She placed her hand gently on mine and stroked my fingers.
"I know, and trust me, I would be waiting for y
