Drabble – Damage
Two people stood on the balcony overlooking the marketplace. There were many people and things to see but their attention was focused on one young man in particular.
He was in the middle of two arguing vendors, both of them shouting angrily at each other. Both were sure they were right and the other was in the wrong. The lean handsome young man was calm and talking quietly to the two angry men.
"He has skill at diplomacy." Said the man on the balcony, receiving no response at all from the woman beside him.
"He could be the best diplomat in the world and I would still not approve of him for my son." She finally answered as the voices below became calmer and quieter.
"Alexander doesn't need anymore to help him achieve greatness nor does he need anyone to share in it." She continued.
"You are wrong about that. He needs someone he can trust completely, someone he can confide his thoughts and dreams, and one who he can trust with his life." He said to his companion. "I have no doubts that he can be all of these things to Alexander but I do wonder if he is strong enough."
The Queen turned to look at him as he continued. "The pressures will be enormous on him from many different directions. He will have to endure jealousy, contempt and hostility from those who envy his position. Is he strong enough to see past all this and make Alexander his life completely?"
The Queen returned her gaze to Hephaestion.
"I still think Alexander doesn't need him."
Both hadn't noticed that someone else was taking in the scene in the marketplace. With the fight ended and calm restored, Alexander approached Hephaestion, the smile never leaving his face. They talked quietly and laughed softly as they began walking on down the street.
The couple on the balcony watched them until they disappeared into the crowd.
"I think we could talk all day about whether he is good or bad for our son, or strong enough or too weak, but I doubt it would make any difference. The damage is already done and I doubt we will be able to separate them now no matter what we do."
"We could send Hephaestion away." said the Queen sternly.
"And if we did, we would lose our son forever…for he will follow his heart."