Alexander arrived late on to the training ground.
He had been with his mother, finally convincing her that, despite her best efforts, he had no intention of marrying Laodameia. To appease her he had met with the girl twice more, but this time he found her an amusement to while away the time to Hephaistion's return. He charmed her and courted her but did not touch her.
Smiling, as he remembered when she had shown a sudden willingness to be kissed, unprompted by her mother, that was when he had introduced her to Ptolemy.
He rode over to his father, who was watching the phalanx intently, a look of pride on his face. You could see that he hungered for battle, anxious to fight anyone that thought they could withstand his army's power.
Attalus was with him. There was hardly a time now when that man was not at his father's side, but Cleitus and Antipater were also there and he smiled to greet him.
"It'll be the same as yesterday," Philip said, greeting his son. "In a way, I am beginning to wish that I was taking you with me, Alexander."
Hoped flared in his heart to hear his father's words, he was loathe to remain at Pella.
He nodded in Antipater's direction. "You have a man here who can be trusted as Regent."
"And you have much to learn about the role of a king," Philip replied, ending the discussion.
Cleitus was grinning at him, he did not know what the amusement was.
"My new recruit has arrived," Cleitus said, and suddenly Alexander understood, grinning back as he searched the training ground.
Cleitus pointed to the far side of the grounds. "Over there."
Excusing himself, Alexander cantered forward, heading in the direction he had been given. He rode by the Vanguard, acknowledging his companions who called out to him that Hephaistion had arrived. Then he saw him. Hephaistion. Standing with men from Cleitus' regiment, turning to gaze on him, and his heart beat faster, seeming to fill with joy.
Dismounting Bucephalus quickly, Alexander hurried to embrace his friend, wishing they were both not encumbered by armour. He held him close, breathing in the scent of the man, murmuring his name, before he released him. He wanted to do more but he had probably already gone too far in the length of the embrace, in his hurry to hold the one he loved. For it was love, he knew it now.
"When did you get here?" he asked.
Hephaistion smiled, desire was in his eyes. "Early evening. I was told you were at a banquet."
"I would have made an excuse to leave, had I known. It's good to see you, Hephaistion."
"It's good to see you…,my Alexander," Hephaistion replied softly, to make sure he was not overheard.
Cleitus cantered over, flanked by two of his captains. "Time for us to get moving," he said.
Alexander looked up at Cleitus, wondering if he should ask for Hephaistion to be able to join the Vanguard. He could tell by the look on the man's face that he was waiting to be asked, but he could also tell he would be refused. He glanced back at Hephaistion as he leaped on to Bucephalus, then rode back to the Vanguard, giving orders for what they must do.
The morning seemed to drag by. When the Vanguard were rested, Alexander watched Hephaistion, seeing that he was more than capable. He felt angry with himself for his rejection, thinking he should pick the right moment to ask his father to reassign him. Cleitus would have to relent then.
His eyes also fell to Hephaistion's thighs, to the way his hair fell around his face, his arms, his back. He remembered Hephaistion, naked beside him, then had to look away as his body reacted.
Ptolemy was laughing at him. "It's good to see you in love, Alexander," he said.
Alexander nodded. "Are you not in love with Laodameia yet?" he joked.
"I am seeing her again tonight, though probably for the last time, she is talking of marriage. I suppose there will be girls mourning your loss when they discover that you are with Hephaistion, but all the more for me."
"Laodameia will not miss me."
Ptolemy frowned and considered Alexander's reply. "Cassander might," he said, grinning broadly.
Alexander laughed, then looked over to find Hephaistion once more. "There is still a murderer to find, Ptolemy. Especially now Hephaistion is at Pella. I thought I could not bear Pereus' loss, but now I do not know what I will do, if I lose Hephaistion."
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The sun was high in the sky before the order came that the drill was over. One by one the different regiments withdrew from the training ground, then the men of the phalanx broke line, stacking their sarrissas on carts, removing what armour they could to gain comfort and wiping their brows free of sweat.
For his first day, Hephaistion thought he had done well enough. Having a good horse had helped. The mare was able to turn sharply and was responsive to his commands. Her high-strung nature made her ferocious in a charge, and men from the phalanx, who had been playing the enemy role, had run from her as she lunged at them.
He got some praise from the veterans and some advice on how he could improve, but he looked longingly at the Vanguard, watching Alexander and wishing that he could ride beside him. As much as he wanted to take part in a battle, he wanted to be with Alexander.
Steadying the mare to a walk, to cool her down, Hephaistion watched Alexander now, as he talked with his father and the other generals. He was pointing to where the phalanx had been, his hand then moving to other areas, no doubt discussing some new strategy. As he watched, the king wheeled his horse around, heading back in to Pella, the generals went with him. Alexander hesitated, his father turned to signal him forward.
Hephaistion's heart beat faster as he saw Alexander look over to him. He said something to his father, then wheeled Bucephalus around and cantered over to him, turning him to ride alongside.
"My father wants me with him this afternoon," he said.
Hephaistion felt the disappointment but before he could say anything Alexander spoke again.
"Will you come to me this evening? You remember the way to my rooms?"
"I'll find my way," smiled Hephaistion.
"Come to the palace with Ptolemy, don't walk alone. He has someplace else to be when you get inside. Promise me."
"I promise," Hephaistion replied, wanting to reach out and touch but aware that they were not alone.
"I'm longing to kiss you," Alexander whispered, before pushing his stallion in to a gallop so he could catch up with his father.
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The first thing they all did, when back at the barracks, was bathe.
Servants hurried with water and towels, answering commands, weaving through the crowded rooms. Play fights erupted, water got thrown, there was laughter and talk.
Hephaistion managed to locate Ptolemy, who said he would be going to the palace late. He had been invited, by Philotas, to a banquet at Parmenion's and as the palace was on the way, and as Alexander had requested it, he would act as escort.
"You did well today," Ptolemy said. "I saw Alexander watching you."
"It was strange to put in to practice what I was taught. I could not always attend the lessons at Menodicos', and the builder had fought in the phalanx so he had a different opinion of cavalry," Hephaistion replied. As he was about to submerge himself under the water, to wash his hair, Ptolemy stopped him.
"Here, the jugs are for that. Best to use clean water," he said, pouring a jug of lukewarm water over Hephaistion's head.
Hephaistion wiped the water from his face. "There's a lot to get used to. So much has changed," he commented.
"Are you bothered about Alexander being a prince?" Ptolemy asked.
Hephaistion smiled. "If I were honest, I'd have to say that for the most part I forget that he is royalty. I see him for who he is. Alexander. For the past few days, now I know how much he means to me, it has crossed my mind that one day he might be king. He would have to marry then, but I can't deny my feelings and I would not like to live a life without him in it."
Ptolemy studied him. "You're right for him, Hephaistion. Always stay true and you will have me for a friend."
"I'll be glad of it," Hephaistion replied and smiled.
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When they were done bathing they made their way to the crowded dining hall, seeing Leonnatus and Seleucus waving at them. They fetched food, then went over to them, spending an idle time eating, drinking, talking and laughing.
Nearchus came over to join them, inviting them all to go with him to a friend's house where there would be gambling. Hephaistion declined because he thought it might go on in to the night and he did not want to disclose where he would be going as soon as the sun began to set.
Ptolemy had said nothing and Seleucus had also held his tongue. He was glad for it, as things were still new. He knew how strongly he felt, he could only hope that Alexander's feelings for him remained the same.
He excused himself then went back to his room, fetching some coins before heading to the agora. He wanted a gift for Alexander and spent time looking around for what he could afford and what would be most suitable.
One craftsman had carved the symbol of Aphrodite on to two wooden pendants. The wood had been smoothed and a hole drilled through the top through which was threaded a black cord. Hephaistion held them in his hand, his hand tracing over the symbol, a gift for lovers to wear. He wondered if it might seem too coarse for Alexander when matched against the silver and gold he no doubt possessed, but moved by the sentiment with which he would be giving it, he made his purchase.
He went back to his room, washing again and shaving, before braiding his hair and dressing in his finest clothing. He picked up the wooden pendants, taking a look before clutching them in his hand and heading out to find Ptolemy.
As he left the room he saw Agreus just arriving back.
"Are you going to Parmenion's?" he asked. "If you wait a moment I'll go with you."
"I have somewhere else to be," Hephaistion replied.
Agreus was silent for a moment. "Take care around Timandra," he warned. "Your brother made an error of judgement there." He reached out and touched the side of Hephaistion's face. "You are so like him. I miss him. Don't go out alone, Hephaistion, wait a moment and I will come with you."
Seeing Ptolemy waiting, Hephaistion pointed him out. "I have an escort, Agreus. I'll put myself in no danger."
Relief crossed Agreus' face when he saw Ptolemy. He smiled and turned back to Hephaistion. "I'm sorry. I couldn't go through that again." He opened the door to his room. "Are you on duty tomorrow?"
"In the morning," Hephaistion replied.
"Me too," Agreus said, grinning at him. "I'll see you at breakfast."
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"I see you've made an effort with your appearance," grinned Ptolemy, falling in to step with him and heading towards the palace. "I suppose it has been a long time. Alexander has not been so easy to live with. At one time he thought that you might change your mind. If his father hadn't refused, to let him go, then we might have been paying you a return visit."
Hephaistion looked around the city streets, now gone quiet as people went inside for their supper. Some soldiers, he recognised from earlier in the day, were idling away their time around the temple to Apollo. A dog ran by, somewhere in the distance a child was screaming, a woman shouting. It was life and he was finally a part of it.
"I would have been here sooner," he replied, turning to watch two children hurry past him.
"Are you selling the land?" Ptolemy asked.
Hephaistion nodded. "A part of it. It is a link with my family so I am loathe to let the rest of it go, although I do not see myself returning. In time I could let it all go, I suppose. I never was much of a farmer - or so my uncle would have told you."
Ptolemy laughed. "I suppose it would have been like trying to make a sheep out of a wolf. You're from fighting stock, Hephaistion. If I…"
Ptolemy's words were interrupted when a man stepped forward and grabbed at Hephaistion's chiton. Hephaistion reached for his dagger but the man caught his wrist, turning him to block Ptolemy who had drawn his sword.
"I only want to talk!" the man snapped, releasing Hephaistion and holding up his hands.
"Then talk!" Ptolemy ordered, sheathing his sword, but putting his hand on his own dagger.
The man glared at Hephaistion. "Timandra wants to see you, right away."
Hephaistion straightened his chiton. "I am not at Timandra's beck and call," he said, walking on with Ptolemy following.
"He said you must go," the man shouted.
Hephaistion looked back, but he had no intention of heading to Timandra's "Who is he?" he asked Ptolemy.
"A tame brute that Timandra keeps for protection. I think he came from Thebes. Seems he likes to act first then talk later. The man should get some manners." He looked back to make sure they were not being followed. "Are you going?"
"I've better places to be," Hephaistion replied and smiled.
TBC