Chapter 23

The memory dissolved, pulling her back to the present. Merdi stared blankly at Clifton, who had tied her shoelace so securely it looked as though it would never come undone again. “Is that a habit of yours?” Clifton’s gaze shifted to her, his expression questioning the sudden, nonsensical inquiry. “Tying shoelaces. You tied mine that day you arrived at Belloc Castle, too.” “If your laces weren’t untied, I would have no reason to tie them.” What a strange response, she thought. It wasn’t an answer to her question at all. But considering his obsessive cleanliness, she supposed she didn’t need one.