Leaders of Macedonia Chapter 1: Delegations, Pella, 339 BC, an alexander fanfic

Title: "Leaders of Macedonia"

Author: Baliansword

Chapter: 1, "Delegations, Pella, 339 BC"

H/N: This story begins in Pella, in 339 BC. During this time, Philip was planning to arm himself against Illyria and Thebes. It is a year later in 338 BC that Alexander fought in his first battle at Chaeronea. This story will go through both of these events, and will end in December 336 BC. It was in 336 BC (Dec.) that Alexander gained the support of the Amphictyonic Council and was appointed the hegemon of the Greek forces versus Persia. This story covers these four years, all which lead to Alexander gaining control, so that he may fight the Persians.

A/N: This story will, like all of mine, contain some sexual scenes. I have forewarned everyone, right here, and will do so in exact chapters. Please don't read if it makes you uncomfortable because I don't want any hate mail. Also, I always love critique so reviews are always appreciated. I'll try to regularly post this story, since my last was a little slow. With this all said, I hope you all enjoy!

WARNING: Sex in this chapter. A/H.

It was early in the morning yet already they were up and making preparations for the day. He dressed quickly, then glanced at himself quickly, patting himself down to make sure there was nothing missing. Only as soon as he was sure that he was ready did he leave the room. When he reached Alexander's chambers he entered without knocking. For doing so he received some odd glances from the young prince's attendants. Alexander merely smiled though and nodded at Hephaestion. Hephaestion rolled his eyes, hating the formal dress he wore at the moment, but thinking Alexander looked like a fine prince.

"That is all," Alexander said as one of his attendants decided to try and rearrange his hair over his crown. Alexander pushed the hand away and stepped away, coming closer to Hephaestion. He embraced him quickly and looked him over once more. "You look perfect. We have about an hour though before we must be at our seats."

"Why must we go," Hephaestion complained as he ran a hand through his hair once more. It made no sense to him that they had to sit beside their fathers during a delegation. He truly did not care about the going ons in Illyria or in Thebes. If their fathers wanted a war that was fine with him. He would fight, but he wanted nothing to do with discussing the politics of it.

"It will not be that bad," Alexander assured him.

"But it will be," he said with a sigh. He absent-mindedly began to move a lock of Alexander's hair. The younger prince did not mind though but rather he welcomed the touch. Hephaestion continued, explaining why it would be of little benefit to them. All of the years that he had known him, Hephaestion had always told Alexander that he was not one for politics, yet as he began speaking Alexander merely smiled at him. He held back a laugh, because he knew that Hephaestion was one of the brightest minds he could be surrounded by.

"Do you really think that we are there for our opinions," Hephaestion went on as Alexander smiled. "They want us there for table pieces. It just shows that they have something to continue their great legacy of war with. If they really wanted to speak of politics then why do they not try to find a solution of some sort with the Illyrians and the Thebans? All they plan to do in this political meeting is decide in which place they sit on their horse. Whoever agrees with your father the most will get to stand on his right."

"Then speak up," Alexander laughed. "If we are there, then why not voice an opinion?"

"Because it would only lead to my father beating me, yours belittling you for being my friend, and your mother would hear of this and likely send me some poisoned cakes. No one can truly voice his or her opinion. Especially if it happens to be that sending men into battle for a simple reason is madness. Your father, and mine, like to sit around discussing how much better they are than the Thebans. It is rather ridiculous. Thebans have wives, husbands, sons, and daughters. They have their life. What makes Macedonians better? For if it is that we have a better group of forces and more anger, thank you, but I will go back to being belittled by Cassander for being an Athenian."

"Phae," Alexander said as he put his hands to his cheeks. He pressed his forehead lightly against Hephaestion's and stared into his cerulean eyes for a moment. "Things are not right, I agree with you. If we cannot change them now we will as soon as we can. Please, do not ruin today."

"I will not ruin it," he agreed. "But you know that not being able to do anything saddens me. They are people, Alexander, just like us. Even the dreaded Persians, who seem like barbarians, they too are only humans."

"We all are men Hephaestion. We are all toys for the gods to do with us as they will. You know that I've always believed such. I believe that it was Eros that first paired us, and now it is Aphrodite that bonds us, just as it is Zeus that protects me, and Athena that speaks through you."

"Alexander," he said, kissing him shortly on the lips, laughing slightly as he did so. "You make me feel as if I will always be your favorite."

"As you will be," the prince affirmed as Hephaestion stepped away from him. He made himself appear busy as the attendants reentered the room. Alexander tried to hide a smile as Hephaestion pretended to be rearranging a vase of flowers. Instead of doing any help he close to knocked it over. But he caught it, glancing at the attendants who'd not noticed, and then placed it back on its stand.

The attendants made sure Alexander knew it was close to time to go. This had little effect on Alexander. The only thing that caught his attention was when one mentioned that Queen Olympias was on her way to speak with Alexander. Even Hephaestion stopped toying with things and looked up. Just as Alexander was about to protest the doors opened and a furious Olympias barged into the room, screaming for the servants to leave.

"Out," she ordered, shoving one man when he did not move as quickly as she would have liked. Hephaestion immediately sat down on the couch, pulling a pillow closer to him. Sighing, Alexander glanced at Olympias, his mother. She shut the doors with a thud and then turned to him. "Your father has the nerve to use you as one of his weapons. He believes that by bringing you, others will not challenge him, both of you! Fools, calling all others barbarians when it is your father that is the beast that conquers everything he sees from women to lands."

"Mother," Alexander said as he reached for her. She hugged him, as always. He was her pride and her joy in this world. Hephaestion believed that at times she did push Alexander far beyond his restraints, but when he saw her hug him, he knew that she loved him. She was not as terrible as many thought her to be. She just knew what she wanted of him and knew that if Alexander did not work, did not strive, he would end up like so many others. She did not wish to see him killed before his sixteenth birthday.

"Your father is a fool," she insisted as she began to pace. "He makes the world hate him. The Athenians hate him, and they wish to war with him, and they may be able to win because of their numbers. These Illyrians and Thebans are insulted at his claims, and he gives them no reason be anything but furious, and they could win because of determination. What does he hope to accomplish?"

Hephaestion sat silently, but noticed that when she said Athenians, she glanced at him. Whether or not he took that as an insult he did not know. His home was here in Pella though, and this she knew. This she understood and he was grateful that she did. Yet there were times when she seemed not to understand who he was.

"It is just a delegates meeting mother," her son assured her.

"I know what it is! It is another way for your father to try to take your love from me!" It was then that tears began to form in her eyes. Again, she loved her son more than anything in the world. As she held him once more, tears now streaming down her eyes, Hephaestion quietly rose and made his way out of the room. They deserved their privacy. She kissed his cheek, then stared at him, eyes still glimmering with crystal tears. "He wants you because you are all that I have. Alexander, he knows that one day you will be the one to fear, you will be the greatest of them all. Do not let him convince you that I do not love you. It is he who does not love you Alexander, he loves only himself."

"Mother, please, I do not wish to hear this now."

"But you must hear it! Alexander, tell me that you are not like him. Promise me that you will not let him guide you."

"Mother," Alexander said, stopping her from continuing. He kissed her forehead, assurance that he loved her. "I promise you that no one guides me. I know very well what father's views are, what yours are, and what mine are. Mother, I know that you love me. Know that I love you as well, and I shall always be your son."

Olympias nodded then ran a hand over his cheek. She knew that he would always be her son and this kept her going. When the doors opened though, she knew it was time to let him go for the day. Olympias glanced at the attendants that had come to take Alexander to his place at his father's side at the delegation. She smiled once more at him before turning and then leaving. Alexander watched her go, then followed the attendants out of the room. At first he felt rather alone, but further down the hall Hephaestion appeared.

"You didn't have to leave," Alexander told him, playfully shoving his arm when the attendants were not paying any attention. Hephaestion laughed, then pushed him back, but was again silent when the attendants began to slow and glance over their shoulders. They were guarded by hawks, and this was one of the things he hated here, the constant surveillance. He couldn't figure out why Philip has recently kept his son so guarded. Usually he did not wish him to go and visit his mother but now this was just going too far.

"Are you ready," Alexander asked at the door. Hephaestion shrugged nonchalantly and glanced at the floor. Sensing his friend's unease Alexander then turned to his attendants. "Leave us now, you have other duties to attend to."

"What is it that bothers you," Alexander asked, now unafraid to take Hephaestion's hand in his. He rubbed his thumb against the back of Hephaestion's hand, enjoying the feel of his soft skin against his own. He gazed into his cerulean eyes for a moment before leaning in and kissing him softly. There was nothing to fear here at the moment. Hephaestion responded only but putting his free hand on the back of Alexander's neck, holding him against him, as their lips continued to press together.

"I fear nothing when I am around you," Hephaestion said as the kiss ended. He kept his hand on the back of Alexander's neck, holding him, loving him all the while. "I would do anything for you, anything."

"And I for you."

"I know," he agreed with a nod. He then took a step back, running a hand through his hair. He glanced around, making sure there were no others. Calming himself he then let go of Alexander's hand so that they could enter the delegation. "I promise not to ruin anything."

"Phae, you could ruin nothing."

This was the last thing he said to him before they entered the room. Alexander took his seat next to his father, and Hephaestion next to his. Alexander glanced at Amyntor. He was a strong man, just like his own father, which was probably why the two got along so well. But with all the hostilities now involving the Athenians and the Macedonians, he wondered if they would stay close for long. Ever since Amyntor had returned they seemed to be speaking less and less. No longer was Amyntor the favorite general of King Philip of Macedon. The meeting seemed to drag on and on after the first ten minutes though. The only comfort that Alexander had was that he could see Hephaestion from where he sat. Hephaestion barely looked up from his lap though. Every time someone mentioned barbarian and Athenian in the same sentence he seemed to sink deeper and deeper into a depression.

It forced Alexander to start thinking. Hephaestion was the one that seemed to want to change the world. He could not believe that he did not wish to do the same. Well, it was not even that. There of course were visions that he had however he never seemed to want to voice them as Hephaestion did. If he was supposed to be the prince, perhaps he should say more. Looking up he saw that Hephaestion had been asked something by his father. It was clear that both of them had missed it. Even Cassander, who sat close to Hephaestion, had been startled and was now trying to recall what Hephaestion had been asked incase he were to be asked the same question.

"There is no wrong answer," Philip laughed as he drank more wine from his cup. It was of course a lie, Alexander and Hephaestion knew, for everything Philip ever asked was a double-sided question. "Do you believe that the Athenians pose a bigger threat than the Illyrians and Thebans?"

It clearly was a trick. If he were to say that the Athenians were a bigger threat, he would be right, but he would be viewed as a loyalist to the Athenians since he was one of them. If he said that they were not, and that the Illyrians and the Thebans were a bigger threat to Macedonia, then he would be a liar in the eyes of Philip. Either way he could not win. Alexander leaned forward, hoping that Hephaestion knew what to say. If he were silent much longer it would make him look like a child, or worse, a fool. From where Cassander sat between Antipiter and Philotas he glanced at Alexander and raised his eyebrows. Alexander shrugged back, unable to do much more. Even Cassander wanted Hephaestion to come up with some sort of answer, and he did not even like him.

"I believe," Hephaestion said, finding his voice, "that they are both a threat to you. If I had to choose which is bigger, I could not."

"What do you mean," Antipiter asked.

"I mean," Hephaestion explained as he took a quick drink of water. Alexander and Cassander leaned closer. Alexander could not help but begin to smile. Hephaestion was about to do something he never had previously had the courage to do. He was about to speak his mind. "If the Macedonians attack the Athenians, your forces would likely win. The Athenians have a strong will, and good forces, but your army will rival theirs. On the other hand, the Illyrians and Thebans have united with the best of their forces, which may be able to rival yours based on their skills not numbers. Separate, they both pose a threat, but none greater than the other does. However, they are not a great threat to you separated. They will only be a great threat if they unite against you."

"Well said," Cassander said, since he knew that Alexander would not. He then sat back and took a drink as if he'd tired himself somehow by saying such. Alexander looked at him with appreciative eyes and Cassander only dipped his head in a slight nod.

"Your son is wise," Philip laughed as he drank more. "If all Athenians were so wise I would think it impossible for them to desire to war with me."

Alexander rolled his eyes, and this Hephaestion noticed, and the two smiled. For the rest of the delegations neither of them spoke. Instead they took turns glancing at one another. The delegations continued for hours and when they were finally over there was no real solution to any of their problems. It was clear that Philip was eager for war though. Yet it had been raised that he could not fight the Athenians and the united Theban and Illyrian forces at the same time. Philip said he would think of something but was hungry, and a feast was long overdue. Hephaestion was right. When it came to politics in Macedonia, they always came to a halt if something else came up, such as food.

"It was not that bad," Alexander said as they walked together down the hall after the dismissal of the delegates. Hephaestion laughed, glancing over at him. They both knew that it had been a pain to sit through. "What are you doing tonight?"

"When," Hephaestion asked.

"Right now," Alexander said as they turned the corner. He knew that tonight they did not have to worry too much about being disturbed. There was a feast going on so all spare hands and attendants would be there. As they turned down the hall, many of the candles had gone out, and many of the torches were missing. It made sense though. Torches always went missing during feasts, to light the grand rooms better, but would make their way back the next day.

"Well, I was thinking about actually sleeping, since I've been thinking about it for at least an hour now."

"Phae, let's go out. Let's go take Bucephalus and we can ride through the woods."

"At night? Alexander, that is not the best of ideas. If your father found out, he would skin us. If something happened, and if Bucephalus were to spook, then we would both wind up dead, and then we would be skinned. Besides, I really am tired. Is there any way we could do something else?"

"Fine," Alexander said as he continued down the hall. He tried to keep the sadness out of his voice. He really would have liked to go out in the night's moonlight with Hephaestion. He always looked so beautiful when the light of the moon shone against his soft skin, enlightening his hair, and glinting off of his eyes as if they were jewels. Hephaestion was already entering the room Philip had given him though, giving Alexander no time to suggest something else. Hephaestion did seem tired though.

"Are you are sure you are all right," Alexander asked as Hephaestion threw himself down on his bed. Hephaestion mumbled a yes and Alexander grinned a little. He then crawled over him, leaning on him, and began kissing the back of his neck after he gently brushed the hair away with his fingers. Hephaestion always smelled so fresh, yet never like he'd put on perfume. Instead he smelled as if he were natural, silken flesh and love, constructed by the gods, or in other terms, perfection.

"Alexander, I am tired."

"You're always tired when I wish to make love to you," Alexander replied, his lips still brushing up against the back of Hephaestion's neck, warm with desire. It was true. They never seemed to have the time to make love to one another. There were nights when they kissed, held each other, but they'd never actually made love. Alexander wished it was not so. There were so many times when it would have been perfect. Perhaps Hephaestion was afraid, but he did not want him to be. It was not this though, for Hephaestion would have told him, at least he thought he would have.

"Alexander," Hephaestion said as he pushed himself up on an elbow as Alexander lay next to him on his back. In his mind he thought that Alexander took everything too personally. He truly was tired, and at the same time, unsure. He wanted nothing to change the way things were between them now, and sex would change everything. He was Alexander's most cherished, most trusted, and if anything came between that he would never be able to go on with life. Did he want him, of course. Yet he did not want to loose him either.

"It is fine," Alexander quickly added though as he rose. He tried not to sound hurt, but Hephaestion knew that he was. He also knew that this meant Alexander would now be leaving him for the night. "I understand that you are tired. I do not blame you either, for I am too. I will see you in the morning."

Hephaestion lay in bed for a great deal of time. As tired as he had been, he could no longer sleep. Sighing, he tried once more to close his eyes, to find sleep. It was impossible now for all he could think about was Alexander. He'd been trying to sleep for three hours now. He could no longer pretend that he didn't want him. He'd been tired but now only adrenaline shot through his veins as he crawled out of bed and crept out of his room. With the feast still going on, for he could hear it, it was easy to get to Alexander's chambers without being spotted by anyone. There was no one to hide from it seemed tonight.

When he entered his room he made sure to make no noise, just in case Alexander was asleep, or Zeus forbid there was someone else there. He shut the door and made his way into Alexander's room. Alexander was sleeping, a candle still burning next to his bed. The light danced across his face, but stopped doing such a wondrous job as Hephaestion approached. Hephaestion sat down on the edge of the bed, moving the candle further away so that if the wax began to spill over the sides, it would not drip near Alexander. He then stared at Alexander, reaching out, and running his fingers over his cheek. He then lightly touched his lips with his thumb before he leaned down and kissed him.

This woke Alexander, and he began to kiss Hephaestion, no matter how tired he had been just moments before. He reached up, draping his arm over Hephaestion's neck, and then slid over so that Hephaestion could lie on the bed next to him as he usually did when he came to him at night. They would kiss, touch each other maybe, then sleep enveloped in one another's arms. In the morning, Hephaestion would have always left though, and Alexander would be wishing they had done more.

Hephaestion did not lie beside him though. Instead he straddled him, bringing his lips to Alexander's, kissing him deeply. He put an arm under his back and lifted him closer too him. Alexander kissed him heatedly back, wanting to stay stuck in this moment forever if he could, even if the entire world wanted him not to be there. Hephaestion continued to kiss him, then, he slowed his kisses. Placing his hand on Alexander's thigh, he slowly began to slide his hand up and under his chiton. This was nothing new, not really because he'd touched him before, but this time he began to slowly undress him.

Alexander tensed a little, but soon found himself doing the same to Hephaestion. Before Alexander was fully aware of what was going on, they were both nude, still deeply kissing. Hephaestion put a hand on Alexander's thigh and spread his legs apart so that he could lower himself down upon him. Hephaestion kissed his chest, his hair sending chills through Alexander as it swept over him.

"Phae," he gasped, air becoming harder and harder to get in his lungs. Alexander waited for Hephaestion to stop, as he normally did, afraid to do anything to offend Alexander. Yet he did not this time. This time he continued kissing him, letting his hands wander over Alexander's thighs, then his backside. Alexander let his hand fall over Hephaestion's hair, which was softer than the sheets, and he drew in another pained breath. He felt himself tensing in areas that he shouldn't be, not now at least, since it would only end up forcing him and Hephaestion apart. Again, after breathing in deeply, he gasped out Hephaestion's name, this time more urgently.

"What are we doing," Alexander asked as Hephaestion looked up at him. Hephaestion kissed a trail back up to his throat, where he kissed him still, before answering. Alexander felt his eyes rolling back in his head, ecstasy flowing through him.

"We're making love," Hephaestion said as he kissed him upon the lips once more. Alexander kissed him back, his arousal still growing, to the point where his thighs ached with desire. Alexander felt Hephaestion grab his thighs, lifting him up against him, so that their hips were locked together. Hephaestion continued kissing him, his tongue now flicking playfully against Alexander's, daring him to challenge him. With all the thrills he felt, Alexander almost didn't notice the sign, but when he did he playfully fought with Hephaestion's tongue for a moment with his own.

By the time he was gasping, he had to reach up and wrap his arms under Hephaestion's so that he could cling to his shoulders. He gasped, hot air brushing against Hephaestion's neck, a thrill both of them liked. Progressing, Alexander now believing that he needed Hephaestion more than anything, pulled himself back so that his back touched the wall. Hephaestion kissed him a few more times before pulling away, placing his forehead to Alexander's, catching his breath. He looked at him, trusting him, and Alexander stared back at him with nothing but admiration.

"Do you want me," Hephaestion asked, pressing a soft kiss to Alexander's cheek, which was now wet with sweat, as they both were. Alexander smiled, then pressed a kiss to Hephaestion's lips.

"You and no other."

"Do you love me?"

"More than the world," he answered without hesitation. He placed a hand on Hephaestion's neck, then toyed with the damp hair there with his fingers. Hephaestion kissed his forehead once more, still holding himself above Alexander, but his arms were beginning to weaken. "Do you love me?"

"No," Hephaestion said, and Alexander's smile faded, but Hephaestion had not finished. "I do not love you, Alexander. Love is too simple for you. You deserve more than love, so I cannot love you. Alexander, what I feel for you, is far greater than love. There is no word for it, because only the gods favor you in the way that I do."

"Perhaps, you are a god," Alexander said before he kissed him once more. This led to another wave of kissing, touching, and this time when the kisses ended, Alexander took Hephaestion's hand. He pushed his hand away from him, then, he slowly repositioned himself, his chest now just a few inches from the wall. Hephaestion kissed the back of his neck, his arms wrapping around Alexander's waist, hands holding him as the pelvis. Hephaestion was just as apprehensive as Alexander was, but together, they trusted one another. Alexander felt Hephaestion pressed against him. Knowing what would come next, he closed his eyes, and relaxed. What they did in that instant seemed to last for only a few minutes, when in reality, it would last a lifetime.

The next morning Alexander felt the warmth of the sun burning against his flesh. Raising a hand he shielding his eyes as he opened them. When he opened his eyes, he expected to be alone. However, for the first time, Hephaestion lay next to him. Alexander reached for him, placing Hephaestion's head to his chest, and then wrapped his arms around him. After doing so, he closed his eyes, feeling safe with Hephaestion beside him.