Disclaimer: I don't own anything in this entire story except the OC which will appear later in the story! It all belongs to Oliver Stone, and, well, history I guess. So, yes, imagine the characters as they are in the movie. The line at the end is from Makedamnsure by Taking Back Sunday.
Author's Note: My new story! I've written before on but not under this penname! I really hope you all enjoy this. I adore this movie. But this story, I'm sure, isn't 100 historically accurate. Hey, it's all for fun, right? I mean, I'm calling it AU for a reason. Okay, well on with the story, then...
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The sun hung heavy in the sky, beating down on Athens and its inhabitants. Alexander, recently-appointed king of Macedonia, rode at a leisurely pace through the streets, his closest generals (Ptolemy, Cassander, Parmenion, Philotas, Craterus, and Cleitus) beside him. Their destination was the palace where Athen's (former) king resided, to negotiate a peace treaty with the recently conquered city-state.
After a reasonable length of time, they reached the palace steps, guarded by two hostile-looking Athenian soldiers. Alexander, who felt it would be best to be courteous to his soon-to-be subjects, dismounted and smiled warmly at them and offered a greeting. They responded with due respect (but, in Ptolemy's eyes, not without reluctance), and let the king through. His generals dismounted and followed.
Waiting for them inside the palace was youth with a sullen look on his face. When they entered, his gaze fixed on Alexander, and the king could have sworn he was in the presence of the God. He was smaller than Alexander, and presumably younger. Even in his plain white chiton, and simple leather sandals, he managed to stand out. He had dark brown hair, some tendrils highlighted by the sun, which fell in soft waves a bit past his shoulders. His face, young, yet not extremely boyish, held an innocence Alexander's had long-since lacked. To top it off, his eyes were astounding. They were the most brilliant shade of clear blue he'd ever seen.
And at the moment, they were filled with what Alexander could only assume was pure, unbridled contempt for him.
"You must be the prince," the words escaped Alexander's mouth automatically. The boy's beauty had led him to believe he could be no one else.
The boy only nodded, lowering his eyes, "My father sent me to escort the..." he hesitated a moment, and then forced out, "... king."
Alexander gave a barely audible chuckle at the Athenian prince's obvious distaste for him. Having already succeeded the throne to Macedonia, he had power of most of the Greek city-states. The only reason he was back in Athens was because of their recent revolt. Athenians didn't sit well with the thought of being ruled by a Macedonian, as Macedonians were often thought of by the reserved Athenians as barbaric.
This didn't matter much to Alexander. The fact of the matter was, he was king, and if Athens didn't start respecting that fact, there would be consequences.
Consequences he was about to lay out in detail for the former king of Athens.
Following the youth, they reached an expansive room. Inside, seated on couches, were the "king" of Athens and his advisors. The dozen-or-so couches signified that the meeting was to appear informal and friendly, although Alexander and his generals knew no such feelings existed.
Upon their entrance, the former king stood, and moved towards them, advisors in tow. He smiled amicably, although his eyes were hard, "King Alexander. I see you have met my son, Hephaestion."
So that's his name, Alexander thought, It suits him. Already, something about the boy enthralled him. Hephaestion, in turn, was scowling, and pointedly keeping his eyes on the floor.
"May I present Pardiccus, Olynthros, and Thesanius?" The king continued.
"Good day, Amyntor," Alexander greeted the former king, nodding in acknowledgement to his advisors, "And good day to you, gentlemen. These are Cassander, Parmenion, Cleitus, Ptolemy, Craterus, and Philotas. They are some of my finest generals."
"Congratulations on your victory, generals," Amyntor offered courteously. Alexander snorted, "Come now, Amyntor, we all know you don't mean that."
Amyntor smirked slightly, "Very well, then. Shall we talk business? Please, sit, have some wine."
Alexander and his comrades seated themselves, politely declining the food and drink they were offered. Alexander had warned them, needlessly, as the men knew already, to avoid food and drink, in case of poisoning.
"So, then, Amyntor," Alexander began, once everyone was seated, "You wish a treaty?"
"Indeed. I present to you an offer of alliance. Let me remain ruler of Athens.And when you go to battle, my army will fight alongside yours."
Alexander chuckled, "A fine agreement, in theory. But let's consider, for a moment, history. You have defied the Macedonian empire at least three times now; staging revolts, and allying with other city-states to overthrow my father and myself. How am I to know you won't try it again? Remember, Amyntor, it is you who as been conquered. You will set no terms on me."
The former king sighed wearily, "That is one thing that can't be denied. Very well, then. Why is it you agreed to come?"
"To clarify a few points," The king returned, "Let me make myself clear. I will not tolerate any more uprisings. You have two options. You may accept me as king, and relinquish your throne. I will allow you to remain in the palace with your family. Your people will be free and may continue life as usual, as long as their loyalty is to me. Your other option is the obvious one, which you seem to have favored thus far. Refuse to acknowledge me as king, and rebel against my empire. Needless to say, if you choose this, I will not hesitate to battle you, and when I win, there will be no mercy for your city or people."
The former Athenian king was put off. This man could not be more than 20, half his age, and yet he here he was, acting as if he was lord of the universe. Still, it seemed he had no choice. He nodded,
"Very well then, Alexander. Athens is yours."
Alexander smiled, "You will not regret it. I can promise that under my rule, the Hellenistic empire will flourish. Come men," he montioned to his generals, "Let us return home."
He stood, and bid the former king and his advisors goodbye, calling them each by name. He then turned to the prince, "Until we meet again, Hephaestion."
The boy only returned a look of hatred.
You are everything I want, 'cause you are everything I'm not.
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Author's Note: Did you like it? I know it's not much yet, but I'm going somewhere with this! Reviews, plzthnx!
xoxo
