Pretense

Hours had passed in the blink of an eye, and before Leo knew it, over a week had gone by since his abduction. By this time, he had recovered from all the drugs used to keep him bedridden. Throughout this period, Hera had always been by his side.

Ever since she discovered his existence, she made it a routine to visit his room early in the mornings, spending her lunch and snack breaks with him. As he regained his motor skills, she introduced him to the art of making vases in the garden.

Just like today.

Leo silently observed Hera across the table, where they had an array of flowers they'd picked from the garden. She delicately trimmed the stems, placing them in a basket and repeating the process with precision. Her unhurried movements indicated how much she dedicated herself to this activity.

"You really like flowers, huh?" he broke the silence, earning a glance from her.