JUMP

100 word count

In those first moments in the harem, Hephaestions' life jumped from innocent youth to sobering maturity in only seconds.

What he didn't expect, and never saw coming, was Bagoos.

He expected Alexander to find a wife and have children, heirs to the throne. Hephaestion had been preparing since he had first met Alexander many years ago and told himself he was ready now when Alexander found his bride.

Hephaestion thought he knew his place in Alexanders' life and that would never change. He would always share his heart and soul.

What he didn't expect, and never saw coming, was Bagoos.

JUMP

300 word count

The room breathed of royalty, seeping from floor to ceiling. The King and his Queen were on their thrones, regally attracting the attention of all that were in the room. Even the curtains at the windows swayed towards the majestic couple.

Not far away stood Prince Alexander, surrounded by his friends and companions. Dressed in their finest clothes, they were the ultimate example of youth. Muscular, tanned and toned, at the peak of youthful manhood, they eluded masculinity.

The songs and tributes complete, the King rose slowly and prepared to speak. King Phillip stood quietly, nodding to his Queen before he stated to speak, letting the silence settle in.

Everyone was riveted in their places, waiting for the King to begin. Hephaestion took a step closer to Alexander by his elbow in his left side. He gently put his fingers of his right hand on Alexanders' arm.

The silence was suddenly broken by a shrilling girlie screech, not earth shattering, but enough for most of the people in the room to turn and look in the direction of the intrusion.

The King and Queen frowned as they turned their glazes towards the Prince and his friends. In unison, the guilty Prince, and his close friend with the eternally cold fingers, turned to their left and look accusingly at Cassander, frowning.

The rest of the room joined them in frowned disapprovingly at Cassander for daring to interrupt the King.

Cassander could only stand there and try to look innocent of the foul deed he was being accused of, for he had seen, and heard, Alexander jump when Hephaestion had touched his arm. He was already planning his revenge in his head.

Alexander quietly returned his glaze to his father, making a mental note to get Hephaestion some warm gloves to wear.