A/N: Thank you all for the reviews! As in answer to ThriceW's question: no, I have not 'the Persian boy'. Though I am definitely planning on doing so, I am actually kind ofafraid that I will not like what I read in there… I'm a big Hephaistion fan, and get very jealous when Alexander is interested in another! Which doesn't mean that I don't like Bagoas, btw, as this story might prove. ;)

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It had been long since Bagoas had been truly frightened. But now, sitting on his old king's bed, the new king standing a few meters away, staring at him, he couldn't keep his breathing from speeding up and his heart from hammering in his chest. He feared and hated this man. Hated him for the cruel words he had spoken towards his Blue Eyes – Hephaistion - even though the words had also set his heart aflame. But it was too late now anyway. He belonged to Alexander. He prayed in the silence of the room to all the gods he knew. He had to survive this.

The king approached Bagoas with long, relaxed steps, and halted in front of him. Bagoas kept his eyes down and waited. A hand cupped his cheek. He dared to glance up at the face of Blue Eyes' lover, but flinched back when he saw the expression on it. Never before had one looked at him so hateful.

"You are beautiful… I understand what Hephaistion sees in you," Alexander spoke to him coldly.

Bagoas knew not what he could do except for sitting there and hoping he would become invisible.

"But one thing he forgets. You are a servant, a whore."

Bagoas hardly heard the words. They were not new to him, not important, not the main thing on his mind. Fear gripped his insides when he saw the king's other hand turn to a first. He had not been hit often. He was obedient, but most of all beautiful – not something that should be spoiled. Suddenly he was harshly pushed back on the bed, those grey eyes leaning over him and pinning him down.

"Listen to me, boy! I asked you whether you liked Hephaistion as well."

Bagoas did his best to think clearly, but he really was too frightened. "He is nice to me…" he stuttered, as the king's eyes demanded an answer.

This quieted Alexander for a moment, and something seemed to have moved him, for his next words were softer. "Do not mistake him for something he is not, boy… nor should you mistake yourself for something you are not. You are mine."

"Yes, my lord." Bagoas closed his eyes and relaxed when the king's hands began to undo the laces on his clothing – a simple servants outfit he had stolen – and began stroking every spot of his bare skin. This he was used to, not those words.

"Are you pretending I am Hephaistion?"

The sound of the sharp intake of breath from Bagoas hung in the air for a moment, then Alexander laughed. "Oh, poor boy! He has cast his spell well, I see." Two strong hands gripped Bagoas' sides on the same moment Alexander's lips crushed down on his. Bagoas gasped helplessly as the king invaded his mouth.

Suddenly, he heard a rustling in the room, and the next moment Alexander was pulled away from him. In shock, he recognized Hephaistion, who was now facing the somewhat smaller built king. "Alexander." The voice that spoke was trembling with suppressed rage and distress.

"I was wondering when you would be here to claim him."

"What do you think you are doing, Alexander! Why do I find you here, raping him… he is a child!"

Again Alexander laughed humourless. "That doesn't stop you, does it?"

Bagoas, finally invisible, watched how Hephaistion stared at Alexander with pleading eyes, pleading for understanding and explanation.

It was Alexander who first looked away, and his gaze fell upon Bagoas. "I know the perfect solution, Hephaistion. If it is the eunuch you worry about, then I'll leave the choice to him. Choose, boy. Do you want to go free, live your life wherever you want, or do you wish to stay here with me? I will treat you right."

Bagoas trembled under the scrutinizing look he received. "I wish… to stay here, my king."

"What!" Hephaistion's voice sounded of utter disbelief. Bagoas got a desperate, questioning look, and he quickly looked down, not being able to see the anguish in the other's eyes.

This time Alexander's laughing started out soft, but it rapidly grew louder. "He is born a slave, Hephaistion, he doesn't know better. He doesn't even want to be free. He doesn't even want you! Oh poor, broken-hearted Hephaistion!"

That was when Hephaistion hit him. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Then he left the room, leaving Alexander – one hand against his jaw – and Bagoas to stare after him in wonder.