Chapter 1:
Alexander knew very well that his Hephaestion was his best general. Not only on the battle field, but also in the planning of future battles. He was also aware that the other Generals knew this as well. But he was not concerned, for it was clear they did not hate Hephaestion, instead they saw him as a personal friend, some even a love interest. He smiled. He knew all to well that no one would act on their feelings, for every person whom have ever seen Alexander and his Hephaestion in the same room… well lets just say it was pretty obvious that the king would do anything for his love, from jumping in front of a blade directed at his love, to giving up his crown. Alexander was also aware that he may sometimes come of as extremely possessive, but he asked his Phai if this bothered him. Hephaestion answered with a simple smile, a soft kiss to the King's lips and a whisper that he did not mind it at all, in fact it made him feel loved. Back to the battlefield. In a few days time they set of in the South direction, planning on conquering every village and kingdom they come across. Alexander was sitting in his rooms, aware that a meeting for himself and the general's about to start. But to be honest, Alexander was scared. Not scared for himself, of course not, but for his Phai.
After finding out that his (former) wife, Roxanne, tried to poison Hephaestion, Alexander would not let him out of his sight. Hephaestion hated being watched all the time, but fortunately for Alexander, the rest of the General's agreed, for they all wanted his Phai to be safe. So Alexander feared that something will happen to his love while at war. He had already experienced almost losing his soul mate once, and just the thought about it wanted to make him cry and scream in pain. He knew it was silly to fear, for his Phai was the strongest and most experienced of them all. He was the only person Alexander has ever lost to in wrestling. But he loved him to much. While at war, he never fends for himself, for he only watches out for Hephaestion, this does not bother him at all, for he just wants Phai to be safe. But this angers Hephaestion, but Alexander knows that Phai does the same, not watching out for himself, but for his lover. A knock on the door pulled him from his reverie, although Phai is still in his mind, like always. "Alex?" oh, he knew that voice all to well. His face lit up and it felt like his smile would split his face into two, this did not bother him, for he was just so happy to be in the presence of his lover, his best friend, and his soul mate. He jumped up and ran straight into Hephaestion's arms, kissing his shoulders and up to his neck, leaving marks to claim him for everyone to see. Phai chuckled and tried to ever so gently push Alexander away. He succeeded, of course, being the strongest of the two, but not without difficulty, Alexander was very strong himself. Alexander moaned and sighed. "Come, their waiting for us." Phai said sadly and amused at the same time. "Nooo…" came a muffled response from the king. Hephaestion chuckled and put both his hand on Alexander's face. He kissed him softly before pulling away and slipping his hand into the the of his king. Alexander sighed but smiled at him. "Tonight." He winked, and Phai couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head to the stubbornness of his lover. Alexander smiled an amusing smile before sighing and reluctantly letting go of Phai's hand, and turning around the corner to the meeting room. The guards opened the door for them, and they entered an already buzzing room. The talking stopped when they walked in, and all turned to smile and greet their beloved King, and favorite General. "Alright, lets get this meeting started." Alexander smiled softly and the planning began. Hephaestion, as always, lingered in the back of the room, close to the king for multiple reasons. They wanted to be as close as possible, but not only that, but Phai could jump in front of the king if necessary, but if Alexander knew of this, he would obviously refuse, and let a guard take his lover's place. So Phai decided it to be best to be kept a secret. "So, I think it be best if we-" Alexander was saying before being interrupted by guards screaming, the door opening, and a tiny old woman came in screeching. "Where is he? Where is the king?" she looked around the room in fury. "YOU!" she pointed at Hephaestion, she obviously thought he was Alexander. "You took my brother! How dare you?" she drew her hand back, and just as Alexander and the General's leaped forward to stop her, scratched Phai across the face, leaving four bloody scars on his cheek. Every head turned to Alexander, for they knew that Hephaestion was his only weakness. Stab him through the heart with a blade, not so bad in his eyes. But hurt, or even attempt to harm Hephaestion, would be the stupidest thing to EVER do. Suddenly everybody backed away, for they were all scared of the burning fury in their king's eyes. He breathed through his nostrils, and slammed his fist on the table. Though that was enough for the small table to split in half. The woman's eyes grew wide and she suddenly looked at Hephaestion with unmistakable panic and fear in her eyes. Phai immediately understood, and stepped in front of Alexander, and pressing both hands on his face. "Shhhh, its ok, I'm ok." He whispered, stroking the king's cheek. Alexander was still shaking, so he closed his eyes and sighed. After a few painful moments he opened them again, and stared into those beautiful cerulean eyes that he loved so much. He smiled softly and asked a silent question, though he knew that his Phai understood. Hephaestion nodded and smiled softly. Alexander smiled back, put his hands on those of his lover, and kissed his knuckles while gazing into those eyes. All the General's let out the breaths they have been holding in this whole time, they all hated seeing their king upset. Alexander stepped forward and looked at the old woman. "What is your name?" he asked looking at her, but it was obvious that he kept glancing at his Phai, making sure there really was no harm done. The general's and guard's all smiled at this. "L-L-Lissindra, my king." She hesitated. The king tilted his head upwards. "Such a beautiful name. Now, Lissindra, why don't you tell ME what you came hear for, instead of lashing out on one of my… Generals." a few people suppressed laughter. It was unusual for them to hide their feelings, for they all trust each other. But you could see that Alexander have not completely forgiven her for harming his love. "I-I-Its just that, well, my king, my brother, he was taken away, by one of the palace guards. And- And he is not ready to be a slave yet, for he is so young. And-" she started sobbing. Alexander hesitated, but took her hands away from her face. "What is the name of your brother, Lissindra?"
"Ph-Phelix, my king." He nodded and cocked his head to the right for one of his guards. The guard stepped out of the room, but came back quickly, with a boy merely 9 years old. "Lissie!" he shouted, and ran straight into the arms of the old woman. Everybody looked confused, for the boy cannot be older than 9, and Lissindra is possibly the oldest in the room. She noted their confused looks so she mumbled "Half-sister." very softly. Their faces lit up with understanding, as the siblings were clinging unto each other as if their life depended on it. "Do not fear, for I shall not hurt you." She sighed in relief. "But, if I were to ever hear of you harming any of my soldiers, guards, or Generals, you will be punished. Understood?" she nodded her head furiously. "Good. Now I wish you a safe travel back to your home." He smiled ever so slightly. She mumbled a quick thank you and almost ran out of the palace. A few of the General's laughed and they all went back to their original position. Alexander looked Hephastion over and narrowed his eyes. "Are you sure-" he started but was cut of by Phai and some of their friends laughing. "Alexander, really, no harm done." "But-" he started to say but was cut of by his Hephaestion putting a hand on his mouth. He smiled at him before Alexander rolled his eyes but eventually smiling back. He gave Phai a quick kiss before turning around and continuing their plans. "Uh, I should probably get a new table." He pondered after struggling with the maps. The room burst into loud laughter and amused smiles. After about an hour and a half of planning, they had to take a break, which was perfect timing, for it was time for lunch. "Let us all take a break and go to the dining hall for lunch." He smiled and the room cheered and there was some stomach grumbling involved. Those who heard it laughed at one another. They all stepped into the hall, chattering noisily, before being frozen in place, staring at the sight before them. Queen Olympias stood before them, a few snakes sailing on the ground around her, and some on her body. She had an evil smirk in place and her eyes were darker then when they left her in Macedon. Alexander and Hephaestion were talking and laughing in their one little world, before Phai looked up, noticing their friend's fear, and putting a hand on Alexander's chest, warning him to stop. Alexander looked puzzled at his Phai's hand on his chest, before looking at his face. He directed his gaze to where Hephaestion was looking, and was shocked to see his mother. For he did not expect her, and he did not leave her while being on good terms. "Mother." He gasped. "Hello Alexander, so good to finally see you again." She smirked.