The winter snows had some and gone. Spring and summer followed. Now the autumn was upon us and the smell of snow was in the air again in the high hills.

Alexander had sent me back to the Sogdian Rock to pick up new troops for the push east. I couldn't wait to see Anahita.

I bounded up the stairs to her chambers at the top of the forbidding fortress.

I pushed open the door. Her maid-servant was waiting in the corridor. She bowed and ushered me towards an inner doorway. She paused at the door and announced, "My lady, you have a visitor,"

The maid-servant motioned for me to enter, so I walked through the opening into Anahita's chamber.

Anahita was standing in front of the roaring fire, arms crossed across her chest. She gave me a baleful glare as I entered. I knew I was in trouble, but I didn't know why.

Angry fire darted from her eyes. She tossed her head back and shook her luxuriant dark hair. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she strove to control her anger.

"Alexander brought that slut Vashti here," She spat Vashti's name with a venom that surprised me.

Her nostrils flared. Passions were running high. "She has every man in the place under her spell, my brothers included."

I nodded. I could see which way the wind was blowing. She was jealous.

"Vashti is a great beauty. I am not surprised that she has captivated a few hearts already," I said with a hint of admiration in my voice.

Anahita snorted and shot me a murderous glance.

There was an awkward pause.

"And all she talks about is the mighty warrior Slioch. That slut will bed you before the sun sets." Anahita paused and nervously bit her lip. "If she hasn't already."

I shrugged my shoulders. "When a man has gold, he has no need of silver."

I'd heard Alexander say that to one of the Great King Darius' daughters. It had worked for him. He was like all men – he'd say anything to sleep with a beautiful woman.

I could see Anahita was thinking about what I had said. Her shoulders relaxed and there was a hint of a smile at the corners of her mouth. She uncrossed her arms and held them out towards me.

She quickly walked towards me and threw her arms around my neck. She kissed me on the lips, laughing at the same time.

"I've missed you," she giggled, all anger gone.

Then she leaned forward, nibbled my earlobe and whispered in my ear "Fuck her and I'll kill you."

I laughed and squeezed her. "No danger of that, sweetheart, I'm not ready to die yet."