"Oh, I'm sure she could." Viserian gave him a suddenly soft, apologetic sort of look. "Unfortunately, our dear Ifamira is unavailable at the moment."
Addie started. "What? She is? What happened?"
The Ringmaster held up a hand to quell her sudden nervousness. "She's quite well, my dearest, I assure you. She merely had a...personal matter to attend to. She left early this morning, before we began pitching set on the grounds. She's not due back for another week, at least."
Adelaide visibly deflated. Sighing, she glanced to Thomas and murmured, "I'm sorry, I didn't--I really thought she might have some answers..."
Viserian stepped forward and shucked her gently under the chin, forcing her to lift her head. "She still might," he said with a quick smile in Thomas's direction. "You will just have to be patient, little whisp."
She nodded, still looking a little dejected. She felt as though she'd raised their new acquaintance's hopes for nothing.
"In the meantime!" Viserian stepped back and clapped his hands briskly, giving them both a bright, fang-tipped grin. "You said my daughter had promised you a tour, yes, Ser Redington? There is still much to see in our modest little show, you know."