They broke camp and rode out, arriving in Dodona shortly after lunchtime. As expected, King Alexander of Epirus greeted Olympias warmly.
"Welcome, sister. Joy to you, and to you all" he said, addressing the group behind her. While he was glad to see her, he felt a bit apprehensive after she explained the reason for her visit there and the fact that she wanted to stay. He owed his throne to Philip, and the last thing he wanted to do was get caught in a battle between Olympias and the man who left him in power here.
He was slightly reassured when he learned that Prince Alexander and his entourage would only be staying a day or two before they rode north towards Illyria. With Philip possibly still angry with Alexander, and Alexander understandably upset with his father, he feared it would reflect badly on him if it was perceived he was siding with the prince by taking him in. Politics made everything so complicated.
King Alexander had agreed to send one of his men ahead to Illyria with a message from the prince, explaining the situation and requesting asylum there. Alexander did not plan on waiting for a response. He had merely wanted to give the Illyrian King a heads up so they would not be surprised at his visit and would not think it was any sort of act of aggression. He felt certain that King Pleurias of the Autariatae would allow them to stay, especially knowing there were possible advantages in his doing so. Again, politics played a huge part in all of it.
The King had rooms readied for his guests. He set Olympias up in the palace, giving her the best accommodations he had to offer. He had rooms for the others in a wing on edge of the palace. The rooms were not as fancy by any means, but were comfortable and roomy. It was all they needed for their brief stay.
They all shared their evening meal together. King Alexander had lots of questions as expected. Even though Alexander hadn't really wanted to talk about his father or the aftermath of the wedding, he felt he owed it to his host to explain it all in brief. The king seemed sympathetic to the young prince, but after hearing all the details of what had happened, he was even gladder that they would not be staying. No, he had no wish to risk angering Philip. Bad enough that Olympias would be there, but she was his sister and he would never have turned her away.
Alexander had been calm and very matter-of-fact when he described the events of that night, but Hephaestion knew inside he was still a storm waiting to happen. He just hoped he was able to bear the brunt of it when it hit. Everyone decided to retire to their rooms for the night. They were quite tired, and it would be nice to sleep in a real bed instead of a cot.
Alexander and Hephaestion entered the room that had been assigned to them. There was a big brazier burning in the middle of the room which took the chill from the night air and lit the place with a warm and inviting glow. A carafe of wine and two cups sat on a small table along with some fresh fruit. Their baggage had been brought in and materials for bathing put out. There was only one bed in the room.
Hephaestion cocked an eyebrow and looked from the bed to Alexander. "Assuming a lot, isn't he?"
Alexander chuckled softly. "Everyone was assigned two to a room, Phai. I made sure you were put with me, of course. Unless you'd prefer to sleep with Nearchus or Harpalus…"
Hephaestion smiled. It was nice to see even a hint of humor from Alexander. "No, I think this will do nicely." He drew near to Alexander and pulled him into his arms, searching his troubled face and taking note of the haunted look in those dark eyes. "I love you, Alexander" he said quietly before kissing him gently. He released him and stepped back. "Come on. Let's get ready for bed. I know you are as tired as I am."
They bathed in silence and shared a cup of wine, both lost in their thoughts. Hephaestion climbed into the soft bed and watched Alexander as he put out the brazier, leaving only the light from the full moon to cast a bluish glow to everything. Alexander turned towards him, and Hephaestion could see, even in the dim light, that his eyes shimmered with tears. "Come here, Alexander" he said softly.
Alexander lay down on his side, facing Hephaestion. He looked into Hephaestion's eyes as they glittered in the moonlight. He felt like he was on fire, and if he didn't do something to calm himself that the fire would consume him. His breathing was harsh. "I need you, Hephaestion" he said in a low voice.
Hephaestion knew what Alexander needed, and he was prepared to give it to him. "I will be anything you need me to be, my Alexander. I am yours."
At that, Alexander grabbed him roughly and captured his mouth in a bruising kiss, pinning his shoulders down on the bed. His hands were rough as they traveled over Hephaestion's body, his caresses far from gentle. His kisses were hard, almost desperate in their intensity.
Hephaestion accepted the rough treatment willingly. He knew Alexander needed this, needed him, to calm some of the fire that burned in him. He allowed him to do whatever he wanted and, when Alexander finally took him, it was hard and fast. Hephaestion knew he would have bruises tomorrow, but that did not matter. When Alexander found his release he cried out, then collapsed on top of Hephaestion and wept softly against his neck. Hephaestion stroked his back and held him close as their breathing returned to normal.
At length, Alexander sat back and searched Hephaestion's eyes in the dim light. "Did I hurt you Phai? I am sorry…"
Hephaestion pulled him back down to lie beside him. "Hush, Alexander. Do not apologize. I love you, and I am happy to give you whatever you need of me. Now sleep, my prince. We have much ahead of us still."
Alexander kissed him gently and smiled. "I am so lucky to have you, Hephaestion. I need to talk this out, but I cannot do it yet. Rest well, my love. And thank you."
Just as the previous night, Hephaestion held Alexander close until he fell asleep. And as before, he lay awake a long while keeping watch over his troubled friend. He wondered what sort of reception they would receive in Illyria, and how long they would stay there. He wondered if they would ever go home to Pella again, or if Philip would come after them. He worried for Alexander greatly. He had been caught up in the drama between his parents for as long as he could remember, and this only made matters much worse.
Worse yet, Alexander was now faced with the possibility that he might not be Philip's successor, at least not if Attalus and Eurydice had any say in things.
What the future had in store for them he could only guess. All he knew was that he would be by Alexander's side no matter what.
