The days passed, set in a blissful pattern.
Alexander would wake every morning with his arms wrapped around Hephaistion and after making love he would bathe, dress and eat breakfast before heading to the talks.
Ptolemy and the others would then come to find Hephaistion, at first just going a walk with him around the agora, or to the barracks, then riding out with him. All the time they spoke of Macedon, in an attempt to make him stay, for in the evenings when Alexander joined them for a banquet they could see the change in him, and they liked what they saw.
If anything, Alexander became jealous of the time his friends spent with Hephaistion, and so he went to see his father and had himself excused from the talks.
Apparently, it was not just his mother who knew everything he did and Philip laughed to hear the excuses, patting him on the back and telling him he was aware just where Hephaistion had been sleeping.
The talks had come to nothing, they would soon be done, and Philip was glad of it, he could soon go hunting again and seek out Attalus' niece.
Alexander grinned over to Hephaistion as they made their way back to his rooms that night, reaching over to trace the path where the stitches had been. Earlier on that day Philip had removed them, saying they were healing well enough which was a benefit of being young. There would be scars but they would fade in time.
"You should have stayed at the talks," Hephaistion chided, but returned Alexander's grin.
"I was using them to catch up on my sleep," Alexander laughed, putting his arm around Hephaistion's waist and pulling him close.
"Are you older than you look?" Hephaistion replied, his face showing mock concern.
"You'll put Thettalus to shame with such acting talent," replied Alexander, kissing Hephaistion's lips, anxious to have him naked in his bed.
"I have other talents," laughed Hephaistion, running his hand along Alexander's thigh.
Alexander jumped and moved away, he looked over at Hephaistion aware he could not stop himself from smiling.
Arriving at the rooms, he gave a nod to the guard and went inside. No servants were present, they had learned to stay away unless called for.
Unfastening his belt, kicking off his sandals and pulling off his clothes, he made his way, to the bedroom and came to a halt, Hephaistion almost bumping in to him.
Lying in his bed was a naked girl doing her best to look enticing, though she shook with nerves.
Hephaistion laughed. "Should I leave?" he asked.
Alexander held the chiton in front of him, glancing at Hephaistion who had removed his belt and sandals but still wore his chiton.
The girl looked at Hephaistion, confused and unsure.
"Did my mother send you?" Alexander enquired.
The girl sat up, seeming to forget that she was naked she only remembered to cover her naked breast when both the men before her had seen it.
"I am..."
"It doesn't matter who you are," Alexander said, impatiently, "you can't sleep here".
"I think she had more in mind than just sleeping the night," Hephaistion whispered in his ear.
The girl reached for her gown. "Do I not please you?"
"I'll make sure you're not in trouble for it." Alexander stepped back, watching as the girl climbed down from the bed, picking up her shoes and belt before hurrying by, stealing a glance at Alexander's body as she ran out.
"Is this a going to be a regular occurrence?" asked Hephaistion, unable to stop himself laughing.
Alexander threw the chiton down, walking over to the bed and collapsing down on it, bringing his hand up to cover his eyes. He felt a hand upon his arm and took comfort from it, moving it to gaze in to blue eyes, to take a kiss.
"The girl was a message from my mother, that she thinks we are too close. That I should also be taking others - not just you."
"She can't watch you so closely," Hephaistion said. "Or control you so much."
"You don't know her," Alexander replied, gasping as he felt Hephaistion take him in his hand.
"Then introduce me," came the reply.
Alexander looked over at Hephaistion, as they made their way to his mother's rooms, noting the care Hephaistion had taken, even braiding his hair, the first time, since they had become lovers, that he had seen him wear it like that.
"Watch out for the snakes," he warned, as he turned to walk through the open doors, finding his mother seated, working on some embroidery.
He walked ahead, wishing her joy as she stood to greet him, her eyes already looking over his shoulder, assessing the man who walked behind him.
"I began to think you had forgotten the way to my rooms," she said. "So this must be Hephaistion," she smiled, stepping out to walk around him, examining him like you might examine a slave at market. "I see they did not lie about you, you truly are handsome, even better than your father, Amyntor."
Hephaistion bowed slightly, wishing Olympias joy, not making a comment about the inspection, he glanced towards a white snake that slithered across the mosaic on the floor, looking to Alexander as if to discover if this were a normal practice or not.
Alexander smiled back at him, reassuringly, proud of whom he loved.
"The talks will end in the next couple of days?"
Olympias asked the question but she would have known the answer, she knew that Hephaistion would be leaving.
"Soon enough," Alexander replied.
Olympias smiled, and stepped close to Hephaistion. "And you will be leaving," she stated.
"With the others. Yes," he answered.
Olympias looked to Alexander like the cat who had the cream. She walked over to a low table where breakfast was laid out.
"But I may return," Hephaistion added, with impeccable timing.
Olympias struggled to hide the resentment on her face, pouring them wine and asking them to sit.
They shared a couch, while Olympias sat opposite handing Hephaistion his cup of wine. Alexander took it from him, then watched his mother as he took a sip before handing it back to Hephaistion.
"You did not like the girl I sent you?" Olympias enquired, her tone of the kind she might use if a gown were of the wrong colour or the flowers not to her choosing.
Alexander opened his mouth to speak but it was Hephaistion who replied.
"I thought that Alexander would be able to choose the people who shared his bed."
"He needs a child," Olympias spat.
"Why? Do you think that he might die soon?" He looked to Alexander. "I hope not, but I think that Alexander is intelligent enough to make his own decisions."
"Because he chose you?"
Hephaistion shook his head. "It might have been better if he hadn't, but I have the choice on that, I know it."
Olympias picked up her embroidery and studied it for a moment, as if using it to calm herself. Hephaistion picked up some bread and meat, then waited while Alexander did the same and ate before him.
"Let me have this time with Hephaistion," Alexander said. "He will be gone in just a few days."
Olympias sighed, casting aside her handicraft and studying Hephaistion. "I can see why my son chose to be with you, but I also see what is required, though my son will tell you I am wrong. I apologise Hephasistion, if my words were harsh."
"I apologise if mine were too," Hephaistion replied. "I want what is best for Alexander."
Olympias smiled. "Perhaps we can both persuade him."
Hephaistion bit his lip before replying. "Perhaps." A brown snake slithered over his sandalled foot, Hephaistion pressed his lips together, almost as if he were concealing a smile and glanced at Alexander who caught his thoughts.
"My mother worships Dionysus," he explained, suddenly aware at how unnatural this world, his mother had created, was.
The talk turned to court gossip, the pick of the rumours circulating the palace. Hephaistion expressed an interest, charmed Olympias and agreed to come again before Olympias kissed him on the cheek as he left.
"She likes you," Alexander said as they exited the room.
"No she doesn't," replied Hephaistion. "I threaten all that she desires." He smiled. "She reminded me of my stepmother, and look what she ended up doing."
Alexander led the way out of the palace, using the route he had recently been using to try to leave unseen.
As they came outside, in to the sunlight, Hephaistion looked down at the small garden and smiled over at him.
"This place is like a maze, and yet you know it all so well."
"I found the routes the servants use," Alexander replied, coming to a halt. "My mother spies on me, I like to keep her guessing at times." He wrapped his arms around Hephaistion and pulled him close. "I was here, the day before you came, in despair."
"But you have friends who truly love you, Alexander. The soldiers at the barracks, the people, love you."
"Not like you, Hephaistion. There is not one I would trust, like you."
Hephaistion sighed and looked down to the ground. "You flatter me, Alexander."
The blue eyes looked up, Hephaistion ran his hands along Alexander's upper arms, on to his shoulders, then cupped his face with his hands, caressing it with his thumbs. "I won't forget this time we have had, and I will come back, as soon as things are sorted."
Alexander nodded, not daring himself to speak, he must have asked Hephaistion to stay a thousand times and he knew now why his father had not been able to make Amyntor stay. A wilful pride, a sense of honour was in the blood.
"Let's go and find the others," he said, leaning forward to kiss Hephaistion, taking what he could before their time ran out.
They headed out of the courtyard, across the open space to the agora and went to the gymnasium where Ptolemy was wrestling Philotas while Seleucus and Perdiccas both cheered the former on.
It was a tough match, Ptolemy was not a good wrestler, preferring to fight from the back of a horse, but he was strong and could plan a battle. Philotas had been tutored by men hired by his father, but his life had been comfortable and because of it he could not match Ptolemy's strength although he had the skills.
Philotas used his training now and caused Ptolemy to overbalance, he crowed in victory, punching the air, while Alexander and Hephaistion went to offer a hand.
"I would have liked to have won. He needs taking down a peg or two," Ptolemy grumbled.
Hephaistion looked over at Philotas, and began to unclip his chiton. "I'll fight you," he said.
Alexander grabbed for his arm.
"It's alright," Hephaistion soothed. "I know what I'm doing."
Philotas shook his head as Hephaistion put aside his clothing and kicked off his sandals.
"You're injured," he said.
"That's no matter," Hephaistion replied, stepping forward and grinning at Philotas.
"You're sure?"
Ptolemy came over. "Don't do this Hephaistion, his father paid for the best."
"My father was the best," came the sure reply.
Philotas laughed. "Well, this will be easy."
Hephaistion nodded. "It will."
Philotas stepped forward.
"My father said," Hephaistion began, watching Philotas stride forward, and at the perfect moment hooking the leading leg with his own, "that in battle," he pulled Philotas off balance, then put his hands up to his opponent's shoulders knocking him backwards, "you don't always have time to posture," he said, pinning Philotas to the ground.
Philotas tried to struggle up, to fight back but he could not and had to submit. A cheer went up, applause from others in the gymnasium who had seen.
Hephaistion grinned over at Alexander. "I told you I can take care of myself."
Alexander went to pull Hephaistion towards him, but then noticed Epeigeus and Agelaus waiting by the entrance to the gymnasium. The others followed his stare.
"What do they want," Seleucus said.
"They should leave," Perdiccas added, glaring over at the two.
Instead of leaving, Epeigeus and Agelaus came over to them, Epeigeus studying Hephaistion's naked body not hiding the desire he felt.
"Have you come for another race?" Ptolemy goaded.
Epeigeus looked to Alexander, almost as if he would have loved to start an argument. "I came to tell Hephaistion that the talks are done. We leave the day after tomorrow." He sneered at Hephaistion. "Don't worry, when we reach home, I shall make sure that I buy you, when you come up for auction in the slave market."
Hephaistion seemed stunned. "I couldn't..." he said.
"You'll make a good body slave," Epeigeus laughed.
"Have him clearing the latrines," Agelaus said, looking with concern at Epeigeus, then with jealousy on Hephaistion.
"What are you talking about?" Alexander ordered, concerned for Hephaistion, who had already fetched his clothes and was dressing.
"You should fetch a good price, Hephaistion," Epeigeus added, before deciding it was wiser to retreat now he had cast his shot. Both he and Agelaus gave false laughs and then headed away.
Alexander went to Hephaistion. "What did they mean?"
Hephaistion looked on Alexander and shook his head. "I have to find Laodocus."
He strapped on his sandals and hurried away, through the city, with Alexander on his heels, unable to get any answers. Hephaistion knew where he was going and headed to the gardens on the west side of the palace, finding the man he sought, sitting talking with Mydon.
"What have you done?" Hephaistion asked, almost pleading to hear an answer.
"It was not my choice," Laodocus said, getting to his feet and reaching for Hephaistion.
Hephaistion pulled back. "Will you still sponsor me or not? Epeigeus just told me he would buy me as a slave."
Laodocus shook his head. "I was going to find you and tell you, but Mydon..." He looked at the man still seated. "If I continue to sponsor you, Hephaistion, then my life, and that of my family might be in danger. I am sorry..."
Hephaistion clenched his hands in to fists, lost in thought. "I needed you," he said, looking to Laodocus. "I needed you," he repeated before taking off at a run.
Alexander wanted to follow but he also wanted answers of his own, before he could ask, Mydon began to speak.
"The boy will be killed, no matter what Laodocus offers. Before the council assemble, men will be sent to finish the job that Daedalus failed in. It's a powerful man he is up against, there is a just slim chance he will ever see any of his father's fortune. Laodocus is doing him a favour by giving him no other choice than to stay here."
"You can't make the choices for him," Alexander snapped. "And you should be ashamed that you would cast him to the wolves of Athens, and bemoan the fact he did not die here at Pella. I love him more than anyone, but I would watch him go, if that is what he wished."
Alexander did not stay to hear any reply, he ran off in the direction that Hephaistion had gone, back to the agora and began to search.
The agora was busy in the early afternoon, the streets were crowded, blocked by carts, too many boys wearing white, too many with chestnut hair, but none were Hephaistion.
Having gone all around the agora once, Alexander pushed his way through again, then headed for the gymnasium, hoping to find his friends and have them search.
He hurried through the barracks, finding Seleucus who said the others were in the baths and that Hephaistion had not been seen.
Seleucus was curious as to what Epeigeus had meant and so Alexander quickly reminded him of Aristotle teaching them that a metic without a sponsor would be sold in slavery. In his concern for Hephaistion he had forgotten what Hephaistion must have lived with every day. While Seleucus commiserated with Hephaistion he also saw that he would now stay and was happy for it.
Perdiccas appeared, towelling his hair dry and asked if he had gone to the palace, perhaps Hephaistion was already there.
It was possible, and so he headed that way, swearing to himself that he would knock Epeigeus to the floor if he should meet him.
As he came to the Temple of Aphrodite he sensed that he had found the hiding place and he walked up the steps past the columns, which were casting long shadows on the stone, to find Hephaistion leaning back against the furthest one, looking up as if in prayer to the goddess.
"Hephaistion."
He did not respond.
"Hephaistion."
He turned to look at Alexander, lifting his foot back to rest it on the column. "I was going to come and find you," he said, his voice no more than a whisper but it echoed across the stone.
"Perhaps Laodocus can be persuaded..."Alexander began.
Hephaistion shook his head. "No. I would not wish to cause harm to him or his family, and he was right, he would be in too much danger to help a metic."
"His friend's son," Alexander corrected , coming over to Hephaistion and wrapping him in his arms.
"I did not want it to be like this. For you to be forced in to stopping here, where you have no choice."
"But I do," Hephaistion murmured.
Alexander pulled back. "You had decided to stay?"
Hephaistion bit his lip, his blue eyes gazing on Alexander. "I have decided to return alone, with or without a sponsor."
Alexander turned, walking away, before turning back to stare at Hephaistion, not believing what he had heard. Anger, despair and sorrow seemed to flow through him and he ran his hand over his face, turned to the side and looked down upon the floor, hands on his hips, shaking his head as he tried to control his emotions.
"They have no right..." Hephaistion began, but Alexander held up his hand and brought silence.
Alexander looked up but could not look upon Hephaistion. "I wondered why my father could not persuade your father to stay." He ran his fingers through his hair. "To be so determined that nothing will stop you, even though you face certain death."
"I can hide in the city," Hephaistion said.
"The gold will not be where you left it, if you cannot use Athenian law then it is lost to you, Hephaistion," Alexander shouted, then lowered his voice as he looked on the man he had to come to care for so much. "What is gold anyway? Is friendship...love, not a better thing to have?"
"I made a promise," whispered Hephaistion. "I have to go."
Alexander sighed, then came towards Hephaistion, embracing him. "If they capture you, make you a slave, then know that I will come for you, Hephaistion, and nothing they can ever do will be enough to stop me."
Hephaistion clung to him, like he might never let go, but Alexander knew that he would, and sooner than he would ever have wished for.
