BITTERSWEET BABYLON
Domitia could still remember the first glimpse of Babylonia while the victorious armies of Alexander were parading by the rejoicing populace. Babylonians seemed to have quickly forgotten their King Darius III and they had welcomed Alexander in their best clothes showing him and his generals their jewels and daughters.
She was following, stunned by the imposing temples and wide avenues, walking next to her father Domitianus.
Alexander immediately had got hold of Darius' palace, his generals swarming and scouting the halls and parlours while she had preferred staying with the women, quietly waiting for Alexander to assign her father an apartment.
She had never seen so wide halls glittering with gold and blue majolica, long corridors bordered with wide arches and lush plants, so precious fabrics encrusted with gems and finely embroidered with golden threads. She finally found herself speechless when, approaching a balcony, she had her very first glance at the extent of Babylonia and at its incredible hanging gardens.
Looking at the city from the balcony of her apartment had become one of her most beloved past times often shared with Hephaestion, of all Alexander's companions her favourite. Hephaestion had sweet manners even if he was one of Alexander's best leaders, his company was soothing and she could easily understand why Alexander favoured him so much.
"Good evening, Domitia!" - The voice awoke her from her thoughts while looking at the glittering cityscape beneath her.
She smiled without looking back her shoulders: - "Hephaestion..."
"I am afraid I am not!" A mocking voice answered.
She turned abruptly: - "Cassander!"
The young general smiled coldly: - "Indeed, I am". Cassander was leaning arm folded against the door jamb: - "You look disappointed and I am afraid I am going to disappoint you even more. Hephaestion isn't coming to keep you company this evening. Alexander called him". Cassander's lips bent in a wicked smile.
"I am glad for him." Domitia answered neutrally.
Cassander unfolded his arms and walked slowly to the stone parapet, Domitia could not help thinking of him as a big cat ready to jump on his prey: - "You don't seem glad of me keeping you company either", he added casually.
"It's up to you, Cassander... you can stay or go... it's the same to me". Domitia shrugged.
"It's not the same..." Cassander looked at her and stretched his lips in a cold smile.
Domitia chose not to follow Cassander on that path: - "You can stay if you wish although I don't know exactly what pleasantry you can tell me". Indeed, Cassander was a treat to the eyes and the girl knew that perfectly. Of all Alexander's companions Cassander was probably the most beautiful although the coldest. His dark and curly hair was a strike contrast against his icy blue eyes. The features of his face were finely chiseled but his plump lips always displayed a sneer. She looked at his perfect profile, his nose straight and thin.
"It's not the way a Macedonian woman should behave..." Cassander answered.
"I am not Macedonian!" She answered promptly.
"I know..." His answer was quiet, he was leaning against the parapet, again his arms folded on his chest. Domitia had seen him several times in that exact pose that definitely seemed to be his favourite one. - "You're a Roman but you've been brought up in Macedonia since your most tender age and you definitely should behave like a Macedonian by now..."
She shook her head and smiled amusingly: - "For what? Be locked up in my rooms to weave and look after a swarm of kids?"
He shrugged: - "For an example..." He knew perfectly how much such discussions could arouse Domitia's temper.
"You're making a blunder, Cassander. I am no Macedonian and no willing to become one. I will never give in to the orders of a husband and most important of all, I don't want to be told who I must marry and when I must do it!"
Cassander raised one eyebrow and commented dryly: - "Your father should have taught you more obedience, Domitia."
Domitia's answer came coolly: - "You are not in the position of judging my father's choices, Antipatrid..."
"If you are keeping yourself for someone like Hephaestion, Domitia, I am afraid you will die a spinster!" Cassander was then smiling amusingly.
"What do you want, Cassander?" Domitia's voice was deadly calm. - "I find this hour of the evening especially beautiful and I really don't need you to spoil it. If you want to stay and say something clever you're welcome but if you want to stay and spoil my evening, then you're politely asked to leave."
Cassander was sitting on the parapet and Domitia could not refrain herself from peeping his well shaped thighs under the short white pleated skirt. It was definitely a pity that he was such a cold bastard, she thought, because his look was remarkable.
"I am just giving you a wise advise, Domitia. You should be married already but I must concede, your father's life has affected yours but now you should really think of your future. What are your plans?"
Domitia looked at him with a barely concealed surprised expression: - "Are you caring for my future Cassander? Come on, I cannot believe it. You're probably so bored this evening that your most appealing past time must be to spoil my time."
He shrugged and jumped off the parapet: - "I just wanted to keep you company. I think that Hephaestion won't be available in the next evenings you know? Alexander expressed the wish to see him more often." He smiled wickedly again.
"There's no point in telling me what I already know, Cassander. If your aim is to make me feel sorrow, I am sorry you're on a wrong path again. I am glad for Hephaestion if Alexander is asking for his company again."
He shook his head and kept smiling while heading to the arched door: - "Good night, Domitia."
Domitia did not even answer him, she just turned to the cityscape and looked at it resuming her thoughts. It was really a pity that Cassander had that off-putting manners; his look was stunning and his military curriculum was flawless. He would have been easily the best example of the Macedonian excellence but his superior manners sometimes angered even Alexander himself.
Cassander had been right, Hephaestion did not have time for her in the following evenings but she did not feel sorry or jealous. She was glad that Alexander requested his company again.
She could see how good their terms were when Alexander organised a party in one of the sumptuous halls of the palace. She had insistently asked his father to be admitted to the party but Domitianus was not fully convinced; he knew far too well how those parties would have ended and he did not want his daughter to have a part in it. He eventually agreed with Domitia's promise to leave should the party take an indecent twist.
The golden decorations were gleaming in the light of the countless braziers and torches and precious fabrics were hanging between the columns. The air was already warm and heavy with oriental spicy scents. The musicians were sitting in a corner and were playing soft Persian music. Alexander seemed to get a like for the Persian manners and was more and more adopting them to the displeasure of his generals.
When Domitia made her way into the hall, Alexander was already sitting on his comfortable throne drinking a cup of wine while his men were chatting and laughing loudly. Hephaestion was standing close to Alexander and his eyes were scanning the hall, he smiled softly when he saw Domitia. She smiled back and walked side by side with her father to their triclinium.
She actually did not feel like walking around, she knew far too well that the men would have got drunk in a matter of time and they wouldn't have probably told her from one of those Persian slaves.
She looked around until her eyes laid on Cassander, he was sitting on his triclinium clad in a purple tunic, his hair fell down over his shoulders, a golden ribbon around his forehead. His blue eyes were exceptionally highlighted by the smoky kohl around them and his plump lips were sinfully painted in matte red. He was absolutely seductive but even then, he could not refrain himself from his superior sneer. He looked at Domitia for a few seconds, smiled coldly, then turned his eyes away.
When Domitia looked elsewhere, she realised that Alexander was looking at them but she did not give any importance to that.
The party went on as largely expected: more wine was poured into everyone's cups, slaves performed sensual dances, first among them Bagoas, a stunning Persian slave that Alexander had taken as his personal servant. Alexander's generals were chatting, often bursting into loud laughs and coarse exclamations. Hephaestion was comfortably chatting with Alexander and their feelings could be easily seen even from a distance.
There were other women, most of them slaves or prostitutes; the daughters of former King Darius were kept away from such parties. Domitia preferred to talk to his father rather to those half drunken men.
Cassander was of the party, he was passing from a friend to the other, kissing them on the lips, then dancing sensually with an unknown woman, then accepting again the quick kisses of Cleitus and the others, then drinking the whole content of his cup. Domitia was accustomed to such weird habits and did not feel disturbed. What actually was disturbing her was the faint suspect that Cassander was somehow provoking her with his attitude. She did not understand why; they had never come to any term while in Macedonia, at most they exchanged a few appropriate words but since Hephaestion had been busy with Alexander again, he looked like having fun by taunting her.
Cassander was still talking pleasantly with his friends, dancing with them and kissing them but every time he was glancing at Domitia with his mocking look.
When she though of having enough of it, she asked his father to leave and went back to her room. She was feeling angry with Cassander for she could not understand his behaviour and she found it deeply irritating.
"What's in your mind Cassander?" She assaulted him going straight to the point.
The young general looked at her with a cool expression: - "Pardon?" He kept walking briskly along the corridor.
"What's in your mind I asked! Why did you taunt me at yesterday's party?"
Cassander stopped abruptly and stared at Domitia, she could see the coldness of his look: - "What makes you think I was provoking you!" He stressed that "you" with his usual spiteful attitude.
"Don't take me for a fool, Cassander! You were constantly looking at me every time you were kissing your friends..."
"Is this a reason for being upset? I mean... seeing me kissing a man?" He asked quite amusingly.
Domitia felt her blood close to boiling point but she managed to keep herself calm: - "This is not the point, Cassander... I don't care a damn of what you do with your friends... What I want to know is why you were staring at me!"
He shrugged and resumed his walk: - "I was not staring at you."
"Nonsense! You were... Do you maybe think that my Roman upbringing would have felt disturbed by the idea of you kissing a man or..." She stopped talking and bit her lips.
He stopped again, he couldn't obviously let such a juicy chance to provoke Domitia go: - "Or? Is this something that is gnawing you?" He asked suddenly softly.
"No!" She answered promptly: - "There is nothing about you at all that can be of some concern for me!"
He bent an angle of his perfectly shaped lips: - "So you are not disturbed of the idea of me kissing a man or... bedding him... is it this you were about to say?"
She raised his eyes into his: - "Exactly, Cassander." She did not show any sign of embarrassment: - "Maybe you would feel better knowing me disturbed by it but believe me, I don't care a bit what you do and with whom you do it."
He stared at her for a long moment, then nodded: - "Good! So.. why are you so upset now? If you don't care of anything I do, then you shouldn't be upset if I look at you by chance!"
"I prefer not!" She answered dryly.
"What?"
"I prefer you do not look at me at all. Is it so hard for you?" Domitia looked at him sternly.
He waved his hand: -"I will tell Hephaestion to meet you as soon as possible. You look pretty tried by his absence." He laughed and resumed his brisk walk leaving Domitia alone in the corridor.
She felt like hating him like nobody ever.
A few days later Alexander announced breathtaking news: he would have taken King Darius' daughter Stateira has his wife and would have given Stateira's sister, Drypteis to Ephaestion as his wife.
But that was not the only news.
Domitianus came to his apartments with other, far more important news for Domitia.
"My daughter, I have news for you!" He exclaimed as soon as he entered the room where his daughter was quietly weaving close the large window.
"What is it?" She asked curiously
"Alexander decided to get married." He answered simply.
"Really?" She lay down the spool. - "Who is the lucky one?"
"Princess Stateira..." His father sat close to her.
She thought over it for a few seconds: - "His generals won't be pleased of this decision".
He nodded - "Indeed, you seem to know them well my daughter. They do not like the idea of having a barbarian queen".
She looked around her room: - "And yet this is no work of a barbarian..."
"I agree with you. The Persians are a very refined and advanced people but you know as well as me that the Macedonians don't deem any people as civilized as themselves."
She nodded and rested her hands in her lap: - "Alexander will do with it".
"There's more..." His father's voice seemed to waver for awhile.
Domitia looked at him and tilted her head on one side: - "What more?"
"You know how much Alexander cares of Hephaestion... don't you'" Domitianus sounded like in search of the right words for telling the rest.
"I know". She answered quietly.
"So.. Alexander decided he must marry Stateira's sister... Dryptis so that their houses will be bound together forever..."
She seemed like thinking of his father's words for a long time but then she smiled: - "I am glad for him. Dryptis is a princess and he deserves a princess as a wife."
"This does not sadden you?" His father sounded almost surprised.
Domitia smiled again: - "Not at all, why should it? I care of Ephaestion and I want him to be happy. You know I am not very fond of arranged marriages but nobody knows Ephaestion better than Alexander and he probably knows who and what he needs. I think that there are reasons for Alexander to have picked up Dryptis... I don't think the only reason is she is Stateira's sister".
Domiatianus smiled, then he rested his hands on Domitia's: - "And still one thing..."
"What else?" She answered quietly.
"You won't like this for sure... And I don't know how to tell you". Domitianus face was serious.
"What else, father?" She also got serious.
"Alexander... Well... Alexander wants you to get married as well." His voice was low.
"Me?" She raised her eyebrows: - "Why?" She was completely stunned.
"He thinks that you are of age now and that you need a husband... After all Macedonian women..."
Domitia stood up suddenly: - "I am no Macedonian woman, father, you know this!" She answered resolutely.
"I know!" Domitianus stood up slowly: - "But you've been brought up in Macedonia, you are now more than likely more Macedonian than Roman and for you own sake Alexander thinks that a marriage would do you good."
"My own sake? Please.. explain how Alexander thinks that a marriage would do good to me!" She heard her same voice rising to a higher pitch.
"You have followed him here in Persia and well, it's been quite a dangerous journey. I am often very busy with his council and you're often left alone. He thinks that a husband would protect you from dangers and safeguard your honour."
She burst into a laugh: - "It's ridiculous!"
Domitianus answered harshly: - "Don't tell Alexander's decisions are ridiculous!"
They are!" She snapped. - "They are when they want to change someone else's life!"
"In any case, Alexander has already decided!" Domitianus voice was stern.
"Also the name of my... future... husband?" She answered, a cold anger boiling in her.
"Of course". Domitianus stared at her.
"Who is he?" Domitia's voice was as cold as ice.
"Cassander Antipatrid". His father's voice no less.
She opened her eyes wide: - "What? I hope you are joking, father!"
He shook his head and remained serious: - "At all. This is what Alexander told me. You are to marry Cassander Antipatrid the same day of his wedding to Princess Stateira and Hephaestion's to Princess Dryptis."
"It's pure madness!" She reacted. - "I don't want to marry Cassander! Why did nobody ask me!"
"Because you're a woman and Macedonians never ask women!" He answered quietly.
"I am no..." Domitianus halted her before she could end the sentence.
"I know, you're no Macedonian woman but you have been brought up in Macedonia and Alexander now expects you to behave like a Macedonian woman!" He cut short.
"I've no intention to... I'd better go back to Rome!" Domitia's answer was dry.
Domitianus looked at her sweetly but sternly: - "You left Rome when you were only 2 and you've never go back and now I have no intention to let you go alone! You will do what Alexander wants. You will marry Cassander!" He stood up and paced the room: - "What's wrong with him? You've been lucky enough! He's a skilful soldier, comes from a well-off family, he is ambitious, good looking and young... isn't all this enough for you? Alexander could have ordered you to marry one of his older generals!"
"He doesn't like me!" She answered.
"How can you tell this? You've never had a proper conversation with him!" Domitianus looked down at her.
"I know it!" She answered stubbornly.
" Don't be childish! You will do what Alexander wants and you'd better avoid making me feel ashamed of you that day!" He rested his hands on her shoulders and lowered his voice in a sweeter tone: - "Try to do with it, I am sure Alexander knows the best for you!".
She nodded as his father smiled and then left. She was left alone and still stunned. She stood up and felt like crying.
Cassander did not take the news in better way.
"I am not going to marry that barbarian girl!" He sneered and banged his fist on the wooden table.
"You are..." Alexander's voice was deadly cold.
"What the heck, Alexander! You take a princess for your wife, give your favourite another princess and to me? A barbarian girl!" He was spitting the words with resentment.
"You aren't going to discuss my orders, Cassander... you are going to marry Domitia the same day as Hephaestion's and my wedding".
"What if not?" Cassander answered defiantly.
Alexander stood up and hurled himself against his general gripping his neck: - "There's no place for dissent, Cassander. If you intend to question my authority then there's no place for you here!" He hissed against his face looked straight into Cassander's cold eyes.
Cassander knew far well what Alexander was referring to. He set himself free from Alexander's grip, looked at him murderously and stormed out from the room.