‘We’re all going,’ said Camille. The other three turned to look at her. ‘None of us will be safe here now, and this is my wrong to right. I promised Olympe I wouldn’t let anyone hurt her. I’m not breaking that promise. And,’ her voice faltered, ‘I’ve come too close to losing you all to leave you behind.’

Her eyes flickered to Ada.

As soon as Camille had explained herself, a strange sort of calm had stolen over Ada. Camille was right. They’d made promises. They had principles to defend.

And there was something only she could do.

‘I’m not going.’

Camille’s eyes widened in confusion. ‘What? Why? Are you— Did I do something wrong?’

‘No – I just – I understand now. I know why you didn’t pick me—’

‘Didn’t pick you? Ada, I—’

‘And I didn’t pick you either. Because it’s not about that – we’re not about that. Because I don’t need rescuing, and neither do you. I trust you.’

Camille opened and shut her mouth a few times, and Ada could swear she saw the sheen of tears in her eyes.

‘I trust you too, Ada. With my life.’

Ada took a deep breath.

‘I know what I need to do. I’m going back to my father.’

‘What?’ Guil frowned.

‘The duc implied he was working on something bigger to restore the monarchy. We need to find out what they’re doing and help the people who’ve ended up in the duc’s hands this time. I can spy on him. If I go back to my father, tell him I made a mistake about you, that he was right all along – he’ll take me back in.’

‘You think he’ll buy it?’

Ada pursed her lips. ‘All too easily.’

‘It’s risky…’ Camille’s mouth twisted down as she thought it through.

‘It’s where I can be useful. I want to take the risk.’

Camille hesitated, then nodded and squeezed Ada’s hand. ‘Rip them apart.’

She grinned. ‘With pleasure.’

‘I’m coming with you, Ada,’ said Guil.

Ada gave a tight smile in thanks.

Guil fetched some of the supplies they’d stashed in the garret before. Al changed clothes and gave Guil back his uniform. Camille pocketed the money. Ada paused by the window overlooking the city. It seemed impossible that she’d been shot down in a hot air balloon over the prison only days ago. And was now agreeing to – suggesting – another ridiculous, risky plan.

But it was the right thing to do. She saw what was happening and she was going to do something. It felt good.

She caught Camille’s arm as she passed, pulling her in and kissing her lips.

‘Be safe. Just because there’s no guillotine in England doesn’t mean it’ll be trouble-free.’

Camille leaned into the kiss as if it was the most important thing in the world.