Alternative

"What happened with Ambrosia?" Penelope asked in the garden where Cora had disappeared after another dinner in the absence of the Queen. No one came to see why Cora was missing this time, so apparently it was not a surprise.

Her daughter didn't look like herself. She looked scared and tense, but Penelope could hardly blame her. Her mate was not here, and that would cause anyone to feel off balance—even when they were not in a place as depressing as this one. 

In all likelihood, Theo was already on his way back from wherever Cora had left him, but the time it took for him to return was going to feel like it dragged on and on for both of them. 

Penelope knew this well. She may not be a vampire, but since she had caused Zagan to forget her, it had felt like an eternity.

"I don't want to talk about it," Cora mumbled.

Penelope sat next to her daughter. "Why? Why won't you talk to me?" 

"I just don't want to worry you," she said.