Hephaestion had seen them off, dragging Alexander into an empty room near the docks for a quick kiss and grope session before he left. Alexander had left with a smile on his slightly flushed face. Hephaestion knew he would miss him terribly, but their short time together had definitely improved his mood.

Time passed quickly. There was so much to do with his building projects that it didn't allow much time to think about anything else. It was the end of the third day. He was very tired and was preparing to take his bath and try to get some sleep. He grumbled under his breath as someone knocked softly on his door.

"Enter!" he commanded.

Damon entered, glancing up at Hephaestion with a shy smile. "General Amyntoros! I have another letter for you from King Alexander! I knew you asked not to be disturbed, but I did not think you would want to wait until morning for this. I hope I have not overstepped myself." He looked down at his feet as he extended the letter towards Hephaestion.

Hephaestion's evening suddenly got better. He took the letter and gave Damon a gentle pat on the shoulder. "You did right, boy. Anything from the king needs my immediate attention. Thank you for bringing it. You may go."

Damon smiled gratefully at Hephaestion and left the room quickly.

Hephaestion was smiling. He climbed onto the bed, sitting up against the headboard with his legs stretched out in front of him. Breaking the seal on the letter, he began to read.

Phai,

Once again I am missing you. The short time we got to be together made me realize how much I truly do miss you when we are apart, and also showed me how easy it has been to put you…us…on hold. Things have gotten so complicated and busy that I haven't really given it much thought. Until now, that is.

Being with you, holding you, making love with you, sleeping curled in your arms…those things mean so much more to me than all of my conquests and all the treasure I have gathered. Yes, I know I once again sound like a girl, but you are my greatest treasure of all. If I had to choose between you and everything else I have, I would choose you.

Do not be skeptical, Phai…I truly mean that. I am nothing without you and cannot do this without your love and support.

I promise you this - I promise that I will make more time for us to be together. I am the King, after all. What good is that if I cannot take time for myself once in a while? Others will just have to deal with it. Perhaps I should learn to delegate a bit more.

I will not bore you with details about our trip. It has been productive and a good trip overall, but I will fill you in on all the details once I return.

You know from our meeting a few days ago that I may have to leave you behind again for a short time while I go and deal with the Oreitae, but it will not be for long. We will have some time together before I go there, I will make sure of it.

We are like the sea, Hephaestion, you and I. We are like the tides we learned about. You are my shore…my home. I may retreat and leave you time and again, but I will always…ALWAYS…return to you. My home is wherever you are.

Now that I have completely made myself sound like a lovesick school boy, I will stop here and try to get some sleep. I will dream that I am in your arms, as I wish I was every night.

I will be home in a day or two.

I love you, I miss you, and I need you.

Your Alexander.

Hephaestion's smile was so bright it would have put Helios to shame. He prepared for bed, and was still smiling as he fell asleep.

Ptolemy was not the only one who had his spies. Hephaestion had a few as well, and he had received word from one of them that the ships were close and should be back in the harbor before supper time.

He spoke briefly to his chief engineers and builders. "Gentlemen, I leave this to you. I think we are all clear on what needs to be done next, are we not?"

They all agreed that they understood.

"Good. Then I take my leave of you. I will be back tomorrow to check on your progress. Health to you." Hephaestion mounted his big chestnut stallion and with a nod at his men, took off at a swift pace for the palace.

He smiled to himself as he rode. He should have plenty of time to make his arrangements.

Alexander was glad to be back. He was, once again, tired of being on the ship, but more than that he was anxious to see Hephaestion. He had missed him terribly.

The ships all docked and the men disembarked, the baggage was unloaded and everything secured, and yet no Hephaestion. He was a little surprised that he wasn't there to greet him, but figured he was just tied up with his work again. No matter. He would catch up with him at supper.

He was a little tired, but still in the great mood he had been in ever since his little tryst with Hephaestion. Wandering back to his rooms, he had decided to take a nice long bath…a luxury he had not had for days on the ship. He managed to make it to his quarters without being bombarded by requests and questions, for which he was both surprised and grateful.

As he entered his room, a silly grin appeared on his face. Lying upon his pillow was a scroll. There was no question who it was from. Only Hephaestion would leave a letter lying on his bed like that. He bounced onto the bed and grabbed the scroll like a child with a new toy. His smile only grew as he read the letter.

My beloved Alexander,

I humbly request your presence to dine with me this evening in my quarters. I have instructed the guards that unless the whole of Asia is burning, we are not to be disturbed.

I look forward to seeing you.

All my love,

Hephaestion

Any fatigue Alexander had felt left his body, replaced by euphoria. He had planned on doing something special for him when he returned, but it seemed that Hephaestion had beaten him to it. His Phai had planned a special evening for them, and he would not miss it for the world. He had his attendants prepare his bath and lay out clothing for him, wanting to look his best. He honestly felt like the lovesick school boy he had joked about. He could not wait to see him! They were definitely taking advantage of what little time they did have together.