-1
"Pereus. His name means slave dealer. Did you know that? And he has made slaves of us all," Leonnatus complained, looking to Alexander for his response.
Alexander stared over at the two men, walking together by the river, their hands brushing together. He envied Erginus, all the more, as they stopped and turned to face each other and Erginus' hand reached to caress Pereus' face, to run his fingers through the long dark hair that framed his face. Pereus laughed, putting his hand up to stop Erginus. They walked on.
"Erginus is betrothed. He'll go to his wedding bed sorry with his lot," continued Leonnatus.
"It's always been the same, since we were boys," Alexander replied. "Pereus is true to no one man….or woman. Going near him is like going too close to a flame, you are going to get burned." He turned to Leonnatus and smiled. "We are back home at Pella now, soon somebody else might catch your eye, and for now, you promised to help me practice with a bow. Remember?"
Leonnatus laughed and shook his head, throwing his arm around Alexander's shoulders. "Give up on it, Alexander. You are no archer. Just know how to use your archers in battle and stick with the sword and javelin."
"Alexander!"
Alexander and Leonnatus both turned to see Perdiccas and Seleucus running up to them.
"We've been looking all over for you," declared Seleucus.
"We weren't that hard to find," replied Alexander.
"Well, it is Pella….more people," Leonnatus said, and grinned.
Seleucus put his hands up to silence them. "You have to be quick. Parmenion has bought Philotas a chestnut mare, one I think, he thinks, will match Bucephalus in value. Well, perhaps in temperament anyway. Only Philotas is no Alexander and is struggling just to get on. Mind you, he might have made it by now. We've taken so long to find you."
All four of them hurried back towards the palace, led by Perdiccas. Running through the agora, avoiding the people there to buy, off-duty soldiers sitting around talking, priests chanting and children playing. Perdiccas signalled for them to slow their pace as they approached the stables, able now to hear Philotas yelling at his father.
Acting as thought they had not planned their route, and were surprised to end up at the stables, Alexander and his companions stepped in to view and wandered over to stand by Parmenion. The general seemed suitably embarrassed to be caught having problems with the horse. Philotas was standing by it, holding it, turning to yank the bit in it's mouth, intending to hurt it.
"It's a fine horse," Alexander noted.
"It's a brute," Philotas replied, barely disguising the anger in his voice.
"I bought it as a gift but he can't ride it," grumbled Parmenion, who had intended Philotas to rival Alexander, at least in the quality of horse he rode. He shook his head and spat on the ground.
"What is the problem?" asked Leonnatus.
"The mare is the problem," snapped Philotas.
"Let Alexander try," suggested Seleucus.
"I can do it myself, Seleucus. I don't need help," Philotas replied, pushing the horse back, slapping its chest when it refused to move. He glared at Seleucus. He had seen him earlier, with Perdiccas, he knew they had gone to fetch Alexander, that they were laughing at his difficulty.
He grabbed the reins and a piece of mane and tried, once again, to mount the mare. Determination filled his face and as he sat on her back, all seemed calm until Philotas pushed on with his legs. The mare took two paces forward and then with a scream of indignation began to twist and turn, to try to dislodge the rider. When this failed the horse galloped over to a wall, stopping at the last moment, twisting and then satisfied that the rider had lost his balance, stepped to the side to allow him to fall freely.
Seleucus, Perdiccas and Leonnatus laughed. Alexander stepped forward to take the mare's reins. She objected, and went to bite him, but Alexander held the reins behind the her chin and gave a soothing word to calm the animal.
"It was a waste of money, father! It is only good for meat," complained Philotas, brushing the dust from his clothing and taking the horse from Alexander, pulling at the reins to lead her away.
Parmenion looked over at Alexander. "I did not see her ridden, I only heard of her and had her fetched here."
Philotas gave a yelp as the mare's teeth found his upper arm, he punched at her, his fist connecting with her nose. The mare stomped her feet and went to bite again, but this time Philotas stepped back, glaring at his father for the trouble he had caused.
"Would you like to try her?" Parmenion asked Alexander.
Alexander walked over to the mare, and while Philotas held her, complaining all the time as he did so, Alexander ran his hand along the mare's back. As he stepped back, the mare lifted her head as if challenging him to try to ride her.
"When I asked my father if I could ride Bucephalus," he said, "they thought he would kill me. But I had seen that he feared his shadow, so there was a reason for his behaviour. This mare is sound enough, but like any woman she feels she has the right to choose her rider." Alexander shook his head. "You are not her choice, Philotas, and neither am I. Bucephalus will do for me, your father must, I think, look elsewhere for a horse for you.
"I can't return her to the dealer," Parmenion grumbled.
"She's only good for meat," spat Philotas.
Alexander ran his hand down the mare's neck. "She might turn out a fine foal one day," he said. "Or find someone that she likes." He fought the urge to laugh at the look on Philotas' face, then signalled to his friends that he was leaving.
"Of course he can't return her," said Leonnatus. "The great general Parmenion defeated by a mare."
"His son, Philotas, unseated every time," laughed Seleucus. "I wish that he had tried it just once more, I would pay money to see him fall again."
At that evening's banquet, Alexander and his companions gathered together. Ptolemy, Nearchus, Harpolaus and Cassander were now with them, and Philotas, who forced a smile and admitted that the horse was a mistake.
They lay on couches, eating and drinking, enjoying the music and each other's company. The room was full. Laughter, talk and song filled the air. When they had done with eating, they called for more wine.
Alexander noticed a group of men, his father's age, nudge each other and look to the right. He turned to see Pereus appear, walking confidently towards him.
"Pereus! Glad that you could join us," called Ptolemy.
"Better late than never," joked Nearchus.
Pereus gave a low bow to the group and took a seat on Alexander's couch. He smiled over at Alexander, then bit his lip. "What have I missed?" he asked, his blue eyes fixing on Alexander's grey, burning in to his soul.
"Nothing," replied Alexander, looking away, his gaze returning to Pereus' perfect lips.
A servant came with wine, and Cassander passed Pereus a plate of food, but not before taking a grape from it and seductively placing it in his mouth.
Pereus laughed at the act, then turned to Alexander. "Do you know a man called Pheidas?"
Alexander thought for a moment. "The only Pheidas I know is a merchant. My mother buys from him, he fetches fine cloth from Athens."
"That would explain it then. There was a gift of fabric waiting for me when I returned to my room this evening. The servant at the barracks said that it was a present from Pheidas. I just wondered who he was."
"And what will you do with it?"
Pereus took a drink of his wine, his eyes fixing on Alexander's once again. "I'll thank him for the cloth," smiled Pereus, "but I would rather spend my time with a friend, than with a stranger, Alexander."
Alexander's mouth went dry. He reached for Pereus' cup and drank from it. He was going to get burned, he knew it, and yet he could not step away from the flame. "With me?" he whispered.
Pereus grinned. "I am here, am I not?"
"And you flirt with everyone," Alexander replied, smiling back in return.
Pereus laughed and nodded his head. "I do. It's just a game, though. There are some that I could love, perhaps be true to."
"Perhaps?" Alexander sighed, and looked about the room for a distraction, but feeling Pereus take his hand he turned back. The Gods had blessed this man with fine looks. He was so handsome, but his heart was cold.
"Don't try to resist me," Pereus whispered. His hand came up to the side of Alexander's face, echoing that of Erginus at the river that morning. "Don't resist," he whispered again, and leaned forward to steal a kiss from Alexander's lips.
A cheer went up from the other companions as they saw what had just happened. Alexander flushed, looking around at his laughing companions, then to Pereus who was smiling, biting his lip as if to stifle laughter.
"You are a torment," Alexander said, pulling Pereus close to him, enjoying the momentary embrace. "You can have my heart if you want it," he murmured in Pereus' ear before releasing him.
Pereus took the wine cup from Alexander's hand and drank from it, his eyes studying Alexander. Beautiful, large blue eyes, set in a perfect face. Alexander wondered if the man were a gift from the Gods, or if Hera was still seeking vengeance on the relatives of Herakles by sending someone to torture him.
Saying nothing, Pereus stood up and walked over to other friends at the far end of the hall. They were not known to Alexander. One of them had hold of one of the serving girls, laughing as she struggled in his grasp, the other embraced Pereus, then began to talk. Whatever he said was humorous, they both laughed.
Alexander looked down, he felt weakened by his desire for Pereus, but he took strength from the knowledge that he could want somebody. He had felt numb inside, for a long time, the words of both his father and mother making him feel isolated from his friends. He looked over at Pereus, to see him leaving, and the world seemed a darker place for it. He laughed at the stupidity of it all, then reached for another cup of wine and drank it down. Feeling despondent, he stood up, made his excuses and headed for his rooms.
Alexander was woken by the sound of the door opening. He reached under his pillow and picked up the dagger lying there, then swung his legs off the bed and walked cautiously in to the main room. The guards should have seen off any intruder, he wondered what had happened to them.
Moving quietly he could make out the shape of a man in the dark.
"Alexander? It's me, Pereus. Your guard let me through, he knows me."
Alexander relaxed and put the dagger on a small table by the wall. "What are you doing here?"
The shadow moved forward, walking in to the moonlight, smiling, not disguising the fact that he was admiring Alexander's naked form. "I came to take what you said I could have," came the reply.
Hands came up to Alexander's waist. "At this time?"
Lips nuzzled at his neck. "Is there a better time? Perhaps I should come back when it is more suitable for you." Lips met his lips, then parted, the hands went to move.
"No." Alexander was aware of the sound of desperation in his voice. He seemed to have been alone, unloved, forever. This was his chance for something. He literally grasped for it, pulling Pereus to him, finding his lips, placing a clumsy kiss on them.
Pereus laughed, then undid his belt, letting it drop to the floor. He unfastened his sandals, then unclipped his chiton letting it fall away, undressing to stand naked before Alexander. Then he stepped forward.
Alexander groaned to feel Pereus' body against his own, to feel his hands caress him. He echoed the movements, taking guidance, thinking he was in the middle of a dream. A good dream, one from which he hoped he would never wake up.
"Take me to your bed, Alexander," Pereus murmured, his hand sliding down Alexander's chest. "If you want me," he added.
Alexander tentatively took Pereus' hand and led him to the bed. He lay on it, sliding over so that Pereus could join him. It would be his first time with a man. Pereus was older, he would have lain with many others, Alexander hoped he would not disappoint. He thought of seeing Pereus with Erginus, remembered what others had told him, that Pereus was with Silenus, with Timandra, with Euippus, he wondered who the two friends were, what they meant to him. He suddenly thought he might be making a mistake and went to say so, but then Pereus lay on top of him and it did not matter anymore.
He opened his mouth as Pereus' tongue sought entry, and moved against the touch of Pereus' hand touching his skin, exploring his body. Pereus brought his right leg between Alexander's, parting them, then moved between them, using his hands to part Alexander's legs further, positioning him.
Pereus spat in to his hand, then moved it down to coat himself. Alexander realised what was about to happen. Pereus meant to take him. He propped himself up on his elbows and moved back.
Pereus laughed, softly. "Where are you going?" he whispered.
"I…..this isn't how I thought it should be. I wanted to be the one…I wanted to take you….at least at first."
Pereus kissed his chest, then his neck, then his jaw. "I can show you what to do, Alexander. Let me show you." Pereus sought Alexander's lips, once more.
Alexander could feel himself losing the battle. His body slid under Pereus, his shaking hands clung to him. Once again, Pereus positioned Alexander's legs. "No. Please, Pereus."
"And this is what I get for bedding a prince?" Pereus laughed again, then changed position so that his groin was against Alexander's, thrusting a little in desire. He kissed Alexander, his tongue enacting what he wanted to do, what he would be denying himself by letting Alexander take him.
Alexander groaned and arched his back, thrusting against Pereus. It was a wonderful sensation, to have someone so close, desiring you. He lost himself in the moment and went too far, his body climaxed against Pereus', the waves of pleasure mixed with the waves of embarrassment and guilt.
Pereus did not laugh at him. "Here," he murmured, and took Alexander's hand to place it over his engorged penis. Holding it there with his own hand, he thrust into Alexander's hand, kissing him urgently, crying out as semen fountained from his body, his back arched, anointing Alexander's chest. Then he laughed, collapsing on to Alexander, embracing him, pulling him on to his side.
"I'm sorry," Alexander said, as soon as he was able to speak.
"Because you came too soon? Don't be an idiot, Alexander. We both got what we wanted and it can only get better between us."
Alexander grinned to hear Pereus' words. "You would lie with me again?"
"Do you still want to give me your heart?"
"Yes."
"Then I will lie with you again. Now let's sleep. Do you not feel sleepy?"
Alexander did, but he was too caught up in the moment, in the sensation of being as one. They lay entwined together. Pereus quickly fell asleep, and Alexander followed him, lulled by Pereus' calm breaths and the steady beating of his heart.
Alexander woke first, the sun was just rising. He turned to watch Pereus sleeping, lying on his back, his mouth slightly open, his hair fanned out upon the pillow. Beautiful. He lifted himself and stole a kiss from Pereus' lips, smiling to himself when Pereus did not wake, though a part of him wanted his blue eyes to open, to gaze on him with love. He hoped there would be love, it was what he longed for.
His mother would say he was weak; his father would probably agree. Alexander smiled at the thought that his parents could reach agreement on anything concerning him. It seemed only when it came to matters of the heart No. Not the heart. Producing heirs. Taking what you wanted. That's what they were agreed on.
He wondered if Pereus could love him for himself, or if he would love him because he was a prince. He had said he wanted his heart…but he already had it, just for the sake of lying with someone so beautiful, Alexander would give up everything. He tried to swallow back his emotions, that he should have someone like Pereus at his side, the thought was just too much.
What if Pereus laughed at him? What if tonight he chose to lay with another?
Shaking his head, Alexander got up from the bed and dressed.
His servants had yet to come in to his rooms, so he was able to retrieve Pereus' clothing unseen. He held the chiton to him, breathing in the scent that was his love's, taking it to the bed and lying it at the foot of it. Perhaps he would have another chance to lie with him this morning.
He left the bedroom and went to call for a servant, asking that breakfast be brought, then he returned to where his lover - his lover - was still sleeping. He lay on the bed and watched some more, soaking in the beauty of the man. Hearing the servants come and go, he went to fetch two cups of wine.
Placing them on the small table by the bed, he leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on Pereus' lips. This kiss did wake Pereus. He lifted himself up on his right elbow and wiped his eyes. "You should have woken me earlier," he said.
Alexander handed him the wine and watched him drink, picking up his own and drinking it down. He ran a hand over Pereus' body, but Pereus put his hand out to stop him. "I have to go, I think I will be late as it is." Seeing his clothing he reached for it and began to dress.
"I thought you might have time…" Alexander said, allowing his words to die.
Pereus smiled and reached up a hand to caress Alexander's face. "I have to go," he replied. "But I will come back tonight….if you want me to." Alexander smiled and Pereus got his answer. He watched and waited while he quickly dressed and then followed him to the door where Pereus turned and kissed him. "Have your servants leave some oil," he said, then went out of the door and was gone.
Alexander stepped forward and rested his head against the door, reaching his hand up to touch it. He smiled, then turned away, going to the table with food left on for breakfast and picking out some bread and meat. He poured another cup of wine and then went to sit on the balcony, looking over Pella. He ate and drank the wine, while allowing the sun to warm him. It was a beautiful morning.
Having done with breakfast, he jumped down off the balcony and went to his bath, undressing and stepping into the water. He spent longer there than usual, then reached for a towel, dried himself and dressed. He shaved his face, put on his chalmys and left his rooms.
His mother expected him. He remembered too late that she expected him for breakfast.
"Ah, here you are. I thought you had forgotten me." Olympias greeted him, stepping towards him. "And you look far too happy with yourself, Alexander. What have you been up to?"
All Alexander could think of, to disguise the fact he had lain with Pereus, was to tell his mother about Philotas' mare. She had already heard the tale, Parmenion had come to her hoping she would buy it.
"I never see the man," she complained. "Only when he wants something." She moved over to a couch and sat down, patting it, signalling for Alexander to come and sit by her.
"Tell me, Alexander. A son should have no secrets from his mother."
"I don't know what you want to hear?" Alexander replied.
Olympias smiled. "Pereus was seen leaving your rooms this morning," she said, brushing back a stray wisp of hair from Alexander's face.
Alexander felt himself flush and tried to look away, but Olympias stopped him and brought his face round to look on her. "It is only natural, Alexander, and Pereus is a good choice, though I heard that since your return from Mieza he has been spending much time with Timandra."
Alexander laughed. "He is an old man."
"Not so old," smiled Olympias. "You should lie with someone older. But who? All the men here bow and scrape to your father, letting you lie with one of them would be handing you to your father. Everything you say; everything you do, will get back to him.
Alexander drew back, suddenly wondering how much his mother's meddling interfered in his life. Doubting whether Pereus had come to him of free will.
Olympias knew her son, knew what he was thinking. She took his hand. "I had no say in Pereus, I swear to Dionysius, so you must believe me. I am pleased with your choice. You know he cannot be true? Nobody is ever true. Take your pleasure, Alexander, but do not let him have your heart."
Alexander stood up and walked over to the painting of Achilles dragging Hector behind his chariot. He wondered if Achilles and Patroclus knew how much they would mean to each other when they first met. Pereus had teased him at Mieza, about his love for The Illiad, they had not been close, but Alexander had always been attracted to him. There was no one like him, not in Alexander's eyes.
"What else do you have planned for today?"
Alexander looked over his shoulder at his mother. "I need to work with the Vanguard," he replied.
"Ah, the Vanguard," Olympias retorted. "Your father's attempt to win you over to him."
"There is no winning over to be done," Alexander replied.
Olympias walked over to Alexander and embraced him. "You have always been mine, Alexander. Say you love me best."
Alexander looked down at his mother. He thought he was already in love with Pereus, but had not declared it. His father had been generous over the past few months, but he felt respect more than love, his father judged him too much. "I love you," he replied. "Only you."
TBC