"It might be a bit late for that now." Now she has her toes in the water, and she's invested. Still, it's not exactly a lie. There are times she wonders what would have happened if she hadn't gone to Redbright. Not that Islington would have been better.

On the other hand, she's drawing certain conclusions about where she stands with Jean-Claude, and despite Lancelot's experiences, she thinks they could be allies. Even if they hadn't got along, she respects his position and the way he plays the game. As it happens, she also enjoys his company.

Which is perhaps why she said that in the first place.

"But maybe something to fall back on."