The sound of a snarling, rabid dog woke Hephaistion from a deep sleep. Reaching under his pillow for his ever-present dagger, he found a large warm hand instead, and sat up quickly, staring down at the snoring man beside him. Flashbacks from the night before entered his mind, flashbacks that were not altogether unpleasant, to the contrary in fact, they were quite pleasant. His first ... and second experience of being the taker had been a success indeed.

He pulled himself gently from the arm surrounding his middle, causing a sharp grunt to sound out from the pillow where Cleitus' face was buried. After relieving himself in the inner chamber, he threw his tunic on and snuck quietly from the other General's room.

The halls were deserted in the still-darkened palace and Hephaistion ran into no one in his short walk to his room. Stripping his clothes off again, he washed himself thoroughly in his basin, ran his fingers through his hair then tied it back with a leather cord and put on a clean white chiton. His intention was to go for a ride before the palace woke up, it was a calming exercise he indulged in quite often as of late, a sort of clearing of his mind and body before the day began.

The stables were as empty as the hallways of the palace as he threw the well-worn blanket onto his horse's back and climbed on. The sun was just beginning to rise and the crisp morning air was exactly what he needed to awaken all his senses and begin his day.

The horse felt strong and comforting beneath his thighs and buttocks, a familiar feeling that he just needed at that moment. He started out slow but then ran the horse, the two of them soaring as one over grass and dirt and fallen trees. It was the most freeing thing he could think of; being on that beast, the wind blowing his hair back, the cool morning air stinging his face. He was in control of all that was around him in those few precious moments, in control of who he was and where he wanted to go.

He reined in the horse near and a stream, dismounted and tied her to a tree. Removing his boots, he sat at the water's edge and dipped his toes in the icy water. The perfect place to reflect and in Hephaistion's mind, he knew he was overdue for an abundance of reflection. Leaning back onto his hands, he tilted his head towards the sky and basked in the warm beginning rays of the sun.

What was he do? What did he want to do? His thoughts winded their way back to the night before ... with Cleitus. It had been a true experience, one he would treasure for the rest of his days but it had not been more than it really was; two men in need of companionship coming together to just share a moment, or several. He was eternally grateful that Cleitus had shown him this different side of himself and a different side of the black-eyed General, as well.

Breathing a heavy sigh, he opened his eyes and took in the beauty around him. As a boy that had always been one of favorite things to do, just sitting quietly beside a stream and taking in the earthly beauty around him. He had many memories of Alexander joining him in his forays into nature, as well.

He had always been the soft-spoken boy in the bunch, the thoughtful, level-headed one and he agreed that perhaps that's who he had become as a man. Always a follower and never a leader, especially when it came to Alexander. He'd chased after his beloved even before he realized he was feeling more than just friendship in his heart for the young Prince, even before Alexander gave him a second thought, and long before he discovered he would follow the blonde-haired imp anywhere he wished to go.

He let his arms fold to his sides until he was laying flat on his back, his body feeling every bump and bulge from the earth beneath him and making him feel truly alive. He wondered sometimes whether his true destiny would have been a life filled with battles and armor and the ways of the army, had he not fallen so hopelessly and helplessly in love with the man who still held his heart. Would he have found something else in his life to direct his passion towards?

He assumed he would have taken a wife by now, at least for the purpose of having an heir but he also wondered whether he would have become accustomed to being with a woman should he have never felt the sharp love for a man first. Would he be married with youngsters of his own playing at his feet or would he have chosen the solitary life of a scholar, a choice in career that Aristotle had always encouraged for him?

He sat up quickly, the change in position making his head swim slightly, then rubbed his hands over his tired face. He let his fingers trace the scar below his left eye, as well as the one above his eyebrow, the skin puckered and raised. They had never bothered him before, never made him feel that others were staring but now he wondered whether his body would have been riddled with these markings and the others that adorned his legs and torso, had he not chosen to live Alexander's dream with him. The staring had never bothered him, he'd been stared at throughout his entire life whether because of the beauty everyone told him he possessed or the quickness in obtaining his official status in the army that the other generals always said he had earned on his back, or the way he and Alexander had always looked at each other despite the eyes on them.

His mood saddened dramatically when it all at once dawned on him that the exchange of looks between he and his beloved was no longer as equal as it once was. He rarely saw Alexander looking at him with the love and adornment that once graced the dark eyes of his lover. Had he truly become only another one of the King's men? And if he had, was he able to live with that knowledge alongside the man he had given himself to body, heart and soul?

Seeing that the sun was becoming higher in the sky and knowing the palace would be alive with the start of a new day, he pulled his boots on and rose from the ground. Cleitus' final words just before closing his eyes, drifted through his thoughts making him question just how far he was willing to go to reclaim his King's love. Was one night of possible humiliation and indignity worth the prospect of getting back the one thing ... the only thing he had cherished and yearned for his entire life?

*****

"Joy to you, General Cleitus," Hephaistion said, setting his bowl and cup on the table beside the older General. "I trust you slept well and your own snoring did not keep you awake."

Cleitus threw his head back and laughed as his companion smirked and sipped from his cup. "You certainly have a new spring in your step and joy in your voice, my young General. I believe last evening's activities agreed with you, did they not?"

"Oh yes, they agreed most heartily with me. And you? Are you a touch bow-legged this morning, my friend?"

"Aye, many years on a horse have made me permanently bow-legged, but I will admit to being a touch sore in my ... personal areas."

It was Hephaistion's turn to chuckle, the sound coming up from his throat so quickly he sputtered food from his mouth. "That's not a very pretty sight, now is it?" Cleitus teased, handing the choking General his cup of water. "I'll remember not to make you laugh when you're got food in your mouth again."

"Thank you," Hephaistion was finally able to reply before bursting into laughter right alongside Cleitus' own chuckles.

"Well, we seem to be in good spirits this morning," Alexander said, sneaking up on the twosome from behind. "I hope that means you're both ready to do some extra duties today."

"Joy to you, Alexander," Hephaistion said, looking up into the stormy eyes of his King. "Good spirits that only a good night's rest and an early morning ride in the silence of nature can produce. I encourage you to try both sometime, my King."

Alexander frowned, his eyes drowning in the seas of his lover's orbs. "Might I have a word with you, General Hephaistion, in private?"

Hephaistion's mouth dropped open slightly, his eyes never leaving Alexander's as Cleitus put a finger under his jaw and pushed it closed. "I have duties to attend to, my King. The beautiful General is all yours. Might we meet up for our meal again, my good Hephaistion?"

With a slight sneer on his lips, Hephaistion replied, "Of course, Cleitus. Don't indulge in too much wine before I make my appearance."

The black-eyed General grinned and walked away. "When did Cleitus become your ... confidant, Hephaistion," Alexander started in right away, motioning Hephaistion to rise and follow him outside. "I'm slightly disturbed with the sight I witnessed last evening. Did you spend the night with Cleitus, Phai?"

Hephaistion held his words until the two men had cleared the dining room and were walking down the hall, then stopped and took Alexander's arm. "Cleitus is a good friend, Alexander, he has been a good friend to me over the last while and if I chose to spend the night with him, I humbly believe that is not your concern."

Alexander's mouth opened and closed as he felt the warm hand on his skin, his mind reeling from Hephaistion's words. "Am I not your beloved any longer?"

"You have always been my beloved and I believe you always will be, but might I not ask the same question of you? Am I not your beloved, Alexander?"

"Of course, Hephaistion. You are my heart, you know that."

"I know that less at this moment than I ever have, my love," Hephaistion said, his fingers caressing the skin on Alexander's arm. "And I am trying to understand why you reject me so, and that calls for much reflection on my part. Cleitus is helping me with that reflection. I've discovered that the old General and I have more in common than I ever imagined."

"And if I don't like you spending so much time with Cleitus?"

Hephaistion snorted. "You've made it very clear that I am not your wife nor your only beloved ..."

"You are my only beloved!" Alexander exclaimed.

"Alright, but I am not your only lover, does that make it more clear? And in that knowledge I do not believe you have the right to choose who I spend my time with. If I had my way and I had my wish, I would spend all my time with you, Alexander, but that is not the way the world works and I have accepted that. Maybe that's something you need to reflect on within yourself, how the world works for you and if it is acceptable to you in all ways. Now if you will excuse me, I have duties to attend to."

Hephaistion released Alexander's arm only to have his own arm grabbed roughly. "Hephaistion ..."

The General leaned into his King, pressed a soft kiss to the side of his mouth and smiled. "Good day to you, Alexander." He pulled his arm from his beloved's and walked quickly down the hall away from the man. He quietly counted his steps so as not to appear to be in a rush, even though his heart was threatening to beat out of his chest and he was certain everyone around him could hear its thumping.

*****

Alexander pushed the platinum curls from his face as he wound his way down the corridor, the last of his wine already drunk from the cup he clutched in his hand. He'd have to do something about that right away. It just would not do for the King to be fresh out of refreshments. He snickered to himself as he threw the cup down and opened the door to the room he sought.

The brightly-clad, exotic women turned their eyes to the door as he entered but bowed their heads again and made no move to greet their King. They all knew Alexander did not visit the harem for girls or women so there was no need to throw themselves at his feet in hopes they would be the chosen one for the night.

Alexander made his way past the lowered eyes and into the main room, grabbing an offered cup from one of the older women's hands and quickly bringing it to his lips. Something in the opposite corner of the room caught his eye and he stopped dead in his tracks.

"Either I've had way too much to drink already or that is my beloved Hephaistion," he murmured to himself. He quickly changed direction and paused, hidden behind a large plant, watching as his lover stood talking to a boy in the corner. Harem girls surrounded his him but Hephaistion scared them off with one glance of his disapproving but stunning blue eyes, the boy being the only one he seemed interested in.

As Alexander continued to watch, Hephaistion took the boy by the hand and led him to the door, disappearing into the main hall. The King quickly threw down his cup of wine and followed behind the pair, but not close enough that he could be detected. He came around the corner just in time to see the General escort the boy into his room and shut the door behind him.

"There must be some mistake," he thought to himself. "Hephaistion does not visit the harem nor does he partake in the contents therein. First Cleitus's room and now this." What was becoming of his boyhood friend?

Alexander was tempted to barge into his lover's room and demand to know what was going on and what had gotten into Hephaistion, but he turned instead, forgetting his pursuit of company for the evening and stalking off to his own room.

*****

"Joy to you, Alexander," Hephaistion said as the man approached him. "Did you come to show us how a true King conducts himself in the wrestling ring?"

Alexander snorted despite himself. "You know you're the only one who excels at that, Hephaistion. Have you some strong boys to teach your mighty art to?"

"I do. They are fast-learning and willing to eat all the dirt that I press their faces into."

Alexander smiled. It seemed like the first civil and casual conversation he'd had with his beloved in weeks and it was of great comfort to him. "I've come to ask you to join me in my rooms for the evening meal."

Hephaistion hesitated, looking into Alexander's eyes and then away into the distance. "I'm sorry, Alexander, but I have a previous engagement that I must attend to."

"A previous engagement? Much like the one you had last night perhaps?"

The General squinted into the sun, his tanned skin wrinkling between his brilliant eyes. "I had no engagement last evening. I had my meal and returned to my room."

"Alone?"

"Of course."

"Cleitus did not join you last evening?"

Hephaistion let out a chuckle. "Is that what this is about?" he said softly so other ears did not hear. "Are you indeed jealous of the friendship I share with Cleitus?"

"Is it a mere friendship, Hephaistion, or something more?"

Shaking his head, Hephaistion straightened his shoulders and looked into the brown eyes before him. "I have told you, my King, my affairs and engagements are no one's concern but my own. I appreciate the invitation but as I said, I must regretfully decline."

Alexander's gaze remained fixed on Hephaistion's, the two men deadlocked, neither wanting to be the one to look away first. "Alright. But if you change your mind, please find me. I'm anxious to spend some time with you, Hephaistion."

Hephaistion nodded, watching as his beloved turned and walked away. He was able to maintain his composure until the man was out of sight but then turned and let out the breath he'd been holding. He struggled hard against going after Alexander and accepting his offer of company and should Cleitus not have appeared at that very moment, he was sure he would have lost the fight with himself.

"You don't look so good, man," Cleitus said laying a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Was that Alexander I just saw walking away?"

Hephaistion nodded, still unable to speak for fear the emotion that was coursing through his body would spring from his throat in the form of a mighty sob. "Breathe, Hephaistion," Cleitus whispered. "Breathe, boy. He's become suspicious has he not? Looking for your attention since he thinks it's elsewhere?"

Nodding again, Hephaistion rested on his haunches. "Yes and he makes it extremely hard to say no to him."

"Everything's falling into place, 'twon't be long now."

*****

Alexander made sure his eyes never left the beauty of his Hephaistion that evening in the dining hall. He, of course, did not make it appear so, but his eyes were always watching the long-haired general, waiting for him to slip quietly from the room. He locked eyes with his lover only once and quickly looked away as Hephaistion smirked and widened his eyes at him. Had the man no discretion at all?

When Hephaistion rose from his couch and bid goodnight to his companions, Alexander was close on his heels. He followed discreetly behind the man as he strolled the long hallway, ending up at the door to the harem and slipping inside. The King remained around the corner, watching the door nervously until his beloved opened it again and exited the room, the same boy closely in tow but also joined by an older woman.

"A boy and a woman?" Alexander muttered, quickly covering his mouth and ducking back around the corner. He continued to follow the threesome as they entered Hephaistion's room and closed the door behind them.

The King stood stunned in the middle of the corridor, his knees feeling weak and his brain and stomach heaving. Leaning against the wall a few feet from Hephaistion's door, he slumped to the floor and covered his face with his hands. Had he ever really considered the possibility the man he loved would take another, let alone would take a woman?

"Alexander?" He heard as he lifted his head to find Cleitus staring down at him. "What in the blazes are you doing sitting in the hallway? Have you business with Hephaistion? Is he not in?"

"I ... no ... yes ..."

"I've a meeting with him myself but if you wish to come in, I'm sure he won't mind."

"You ... have a meeting with him? Right now?"

"Aye, and I've brought the wine," Cleitus replied, holding up the bottle and several cups in his hands. "Get off the floor, man. Come, we'll go in to see him together. It could make for a most interesting evening, don't you agree?"

Hoisting himself from the floor, Alexander pushed past Cleitus and stomped his way down the hall, his robe flying out behind him. He could hear the loud chuckles of the General and had half a mind to turn and order him back to his own room, but decided the best thing to do was just keep walking.

*****

Hephaistion watched the boy dancing from his corner of the great room. He was good. He made his body appear almost liquid as he gyrated and whirled before Alexander. "By the Gods," the General whispered to himself, taking in the firm, unscarred body. "How am I to compete with the likes of that?"

"You look positively glum, General Hephaistion," Cleitus beamed, taking a spot on the couch beside the younger man. "But I see you're doing some studying, at the very least."

"It's not going to work, Cleitus. He's far too taken with the boy. I offer no competition in what he's looking for at all."

"It's not a competition. Perhaps you need some more wine in you?"

"The last thing I need is more wine. I must keep my head about me or this scheme will not even have a chance of working." Hephaistion bowed his head and looked into his cup. "Is everything prepared?"

"Aye. Whenever you are, my beauty."

"Stop that!" Phai hissed, moving Cleitus' hand from his thigh. "My heart is racing at an alarming speed and I don't need you making it any worse. Can we please just get this over with so I can slink back to my room with my rejected tail between my legs?"

"That's not a very good attitude to have, General. You must think of this as a battle, a battle that you are determined to win, in order that all things will be restored to what they once were."

Hephaistion lifted his head and scowled at the smirking man. "What kind of horse dung is it that you're spewing right before we ... I ... can we just get on with it ... now."

"As you wish General Hephaistion. I shall go gather the troops." Cleitus ruffled Hephaistion's long hair as he rose from the couch, leaving the man alone with his thoughts, again.

"Oh by Zeus' balls," Hephaistion muttered as he watched Alexander approach him from across the room. "This is definitely not what I need at the moment." He stood and turned his back to the King, hoping the man would think he hadn't seen him and then he could just slip quietly out the door.

"Hephaistion!" the Royal voice said, as a hand grabbed his shoulder. "You're not off for the evening already, are you? Come sit with me. The boys are going to dance and it's a lovely sight indeed."

"I don't wish to watch your boys dance, Alexander. I'm feeling a little under the weather and would prefer to retire to my room for the night. But please, do enjoy your boys." Hephaistion's nervousness had turned into anger in a matter of seconds which in fact turned out to be a good thing since he was better able to push past his King and exit the room, leaving Alexander opened-mouthed in his wake.

*****

Hephaistion felt tiny droplets of sweat attach themselves to his hairline as he moved his body. He circled his hips, making the muscles beneath his skin flutter and stretch and contort. He thrust his pelvis forward as he raised one arm slowly in the air, rotating it at the elbow, causing his biceps to flex and contract. A single drop of sweat escaped the confines of his hair and floated gently down his shoulder and between his hard pecs as he rocked his hips and rolled his belly in one fluid motion. His eyes closed, rolling slowly back in his head while he concentrated on the movement of his body, feeling every slight ripple and vibration go straight to his brain and make him push himself further.

"Hephaistion! What is the meaning of this?"

TBC