And they’d certainly been anxious at Fort William.

In truth, he’d admit that Suneyla had become his principal mission, though it served the Company as well as his own conscience.

But did she live?

‘Come,’ he said simply to Fairbrother.

At the entrance to the citadel he found Worsley’s second in command with Major Parry.

Both saluted, and keenly. ‘The Ranee’s safe, General,’ said Parry.

Hervey nodded, not exactly with a smile but with evident satisfaction. He turned to Worsley’s lieutenant. ‘The details, if you please, Mr Edgeworth.’

‘The insurgents tried but gained no foothold, General. The bodyguard, by all accounts – that is, by the evidence of what lies therein – fought stubbornly. The Ranee is secured in her state room. The troop, meanwhile, is searching the rest of the citadel.’

‘And Rissaldar Sikarwar?’

‘He is with the bodyguard.’

‘Very well. Parry, have the dragoons here form a guard to pay compliments – when they’ve secured the walls and bailey properly – and call the brigadiers. I intend bringing the Ranee out. She ought to see the … detritus of this affair, and the men who’ve delivered her. And they her.’

‘General.’

‘Come, then, Edgeworth. And you, Fairbrother, for the honour’s at least half yours.’

Hervey returned the pistol to his belt. Acton had already reloaded his carbine.

The bodyguard’s stubbornness was in evidence as they made their way to the state room. The stench alone spoke of the fighting. But at the doors of the Ranee’s refuge stood a sowar in good order, who brought his sword to the carry as they approached, and then to his lips.

Hervey returned the salute with particular care. Men who had stood their ground against the odds were always to be honoured.

The sowar opened the doors and announced ‘the English general’.

Hervey and his party entered in step and halted.

‘Your Highness.’ He took off his cap and bowed.

Suneyla curtsied, the first time she’d done so. ‘General Hervey.’

Her ladies did likewise.

‘Is everything well with you, ma’am?’

‘It is.’ She spoke quietly, perfectly composed.

Hervey glanced at the pistols on the table before her, and the jewelled sword.

‘There was no occasion for them, General. My rissalah were steadfast.’

He bowed to acknowledge.

‘General, I would see your men, but first may we speak in private?’

‘Of course, ma’am.’

Their attendants quit the room, though Acton, trusting no one, not even a princess, needed a confirmatory nod.

When they were gone, Suneyla said nothing for a moment, seeming to study him. Hervey himself, now standing at ease, was content to wait. Before him was indeed an arresting figure, one made yet more fascinating by what had just passed.

‘So you are come then, General Hervey.’

It was a strange question, if question it was. ‘As you see, ma’am.’

‘I knew you would.’

‘I’m gratified by Your Highness’s confidence. I’m sorry, though, that it was not by means of the tunnel, which would have spared you the trial of the past few hours. You will know, I imagine, that it was not possible … and also that Mira Bai … has died.’