Several hours later, a feverish Alexander made his way to Hephaestion's quarters, only to be informed that Hephaestion had left some time ago. That made him unhappy.
He returned to his own rooms, seeking Bagoas. He wanted to take a hot bath and have some more tea. Bagoas was nowhere to be found either.
A now thoroughly annoyed Alexander headed for the hall to see if his missing general and eunuch were there by chance. A quick look around confirmed that both of them were missing. He looked at Ptolemy, sitting a short distance away. "Ptolemy! Have you seen Hephaestion? Or Bagoas?"
Ptolemy nodded. "I know Hephaestion said he had business to attend to, and if I'm not mistaken he took Bagoas with him."
Alexander sniffed. His poor nose was nearly stopped up. "Where did they go? Hephaestion didn't say anything about leaving the city! And why would he take Bagoas without asking me?" He frowned and rubbed the back of his neck, which had started to ache.
Ptolemy noticed Alexander's apparent discomfort and the flushed appearance of his face. "Alexander, are you alright? You don't look well."
"I'm fine!" Alexander grumbled. He turned and walked away quickly. He really needed to lie down. On his way back to his quarters, he took a detour and went to see Doctor Philip.
"Joy to you, Alexander!" the doctor smiled at him.
Alexander was still frowning. He was not sick. No. Kings didn't get colds. But…he supposed it wouldn't hurt to let Doctor Philip take a look as his throat, which had become quite sore.
"Alexander, what can I do for you this fine day?"
"Aaaaachoooo!" Alexander sneezed and rubbed his nose. "My throat feels scratchy. I wanted you to take a look at it."
The doctor nodded. "Open your mouth and say 'aaah' please."
Alexander did as he was asked. He crossed his arms over his chest and frowned even more. "Well?"
"I think you have caught Hephaestion's cold, Alexander! You need to get some bed rest and take some of those herbal remedies we used on him."
Alexander huffed indignantly. "Huh. Kings do NOT get colds. I'm sure it's nothing."
Dr. Philip smiled at Alexander patiently. "Then why did you want me to look your throat?"
"Oh, never mind. I'm fine!" Alexander stomped off. He did NOT have a cold. He trudged back to his rooms, more than a little annoyed. He ached all over, couldn't breathe, was sneezing, and his throat hurt. "I am not sick!" he mumbled to himself.
His guards stepped aside to let him enter. He wavered between anger and sadness. He had been deserted by Hephaestion and Bagoas both. Not that he really needed them for anything. He wasn't sick. Sitting down on the side of his bed, he looked around the room and sighed. He really wanted a hot bath and some herbal tea with honey, but Bagoas wasn't there to fix them. And Hephaestion wasn't there to massage his neck like he usually did when Alexander had a headache. He refused to call for anyone else to wait on him…no one needed to know he was sick. Wait! I'm not sick! He sneezed again. Okay, maybe I'm sick.
He heard a noise as someone entered his chambers, looking up to see Hephaestion leaning against the door frame, a slight smile on his lips. Bagoas stood behind him, peeking over the general's shoulder.
Alexander frowned yet again. "Nice of you to come back, Hephaestion. And Bagoas! Where were you if I may ask?"
"It is my fault, Alexander. He was with me." He sighed. "But we are here now. We couldn't leave you." He walked over and laid his palm on Alexander's forehead. "You have a fever, love. Looks like it's my turn to take care of you."
Hephaestion wrapped a grumbling Alexander in a thick fur and settled him in a chair. "Bagoas? Would you run him a hot bath and fix him some of that lovely tea you made me drink?" He grinned and Bagoas laughed.
"It will be my pleasure, 'Phaestion." He bit back a smile and turned to leave.
"Oh, and Bagoas?"
"Yes, 'Phaestion?"
"Bring me some wine please. I think you and I are both going to need some tonight!"