Hephaistion strolled alone through the hallway, uncertain of where to go. It was strange to be here again, the place of so many childhood memories that seemed from so long ago. Yet, he could not think of this place as home, as Alexander did. The time spent with Aristotle had been the best time in his life. He had always been a good student. He missed the place already and wanted to go back – but here, here was Alexander. He would follow Alexander everywhere. Except for his mother's chambers, perhaps, he thought with a wry smile. Which was where his beloved had been called only moments ago.
Hephaistion sighed, then turned around and headed for the doorway that lead outside. Just before reaching it, hurried footsteps startled him, and he looked over his shoulder to be faced with the impressive sized body and the one eye of Alexander's father. He spun around and took a hesitating step backwards. The man seemed to havegained weight since the last time Hephaistion had seen him. They were almost the same height. And he could finally see the socket of Philip's lost eye from up close - it was an ugly scar. He quickly turned his attention to the eye staring back at him. "Alexander is with his mother, my king."
"I know he is, friend of my son, Hephaistion," Philip's deep voice addressed him. "It is you I wish to speak with."
Hephaistion tried not to show his worry. Was he in danger? There was little chance Philip would just want a little chat with him. He remembered Alexander's father – simply 'the king' back then – and had always feared him a bit. Because of his eye, and because he knew this man could be brutal, dangerous when drunk. But at the moment the king seemed to be sober and looked at him seriously, while his hand asked Hephaistion to step outside and follow. With a heavy heart, the young man complied. No one could refusea king's request.
He was led through the gardens, still hot and dusty from the broad daylight earlier, but rapidly cooling as the sun was on it's path down. He stayed alert as they walked, alert to where they were going and which route they were taking. Most of it was familiar to him, yet not all, and it seemed important to remember his way back. Why did this man want to talk with him? He could think of reasons, and they all worried him.
It was on a secluded spot in the private gardens the king finally halted. There was a small, round temple surrounded by olive trees, and the scarred man motioned for Hephaistion to sit down on the marble boulders that formed the stairs up to the sacred building. Hephaistion kept his expression light and complied silently.
The king sat down a short distance away with a low growl. "Hephaistion, friend of my son, it surprises me I am to call anyone that on this day – my wife's hostile influence has thus far always done a great job at preventing Alexander finding friendship…"
The older man's voice trailed away with a heavy sigh. Hephaistion looked at him, unease growing, and waited. Hostile influence? From his mother? Was it true? Why was he saying this? After a few moments, Philip seemed to refocus and continued: "However, he finally seems to have found what all men need in this world, and as such I am happy to welcome you."
His gaze finally rested on Hephaistion, who gave a polite nod with downcast eyes, then looked up again. "Thank you, my king." A king welcoming him back… Well then at least someone welcomed him back, he thought wryly. But this could not be all, he read it in the other's watchful stare. What was this man hiding?
"You love Alexander?"
A test of friendship? "I love him, aye."
"As a lover?"
Ah, that was where this was going.
It disturbed him, even if it was not surprising. Should he deny it? Alexander had asked him not to tell his parents, but lying was another matter than not mentioning. This was an unforeseen conversation. "I love him as a friend. I love him as a lover."
The other man nodded slowly, a thoughtful expression on his face. Was it an act? "You seem loyal in your statement, which gladdens me, but somehow I do not feel you realise exactly what that will mean for both you and Alexander."
"I know he will be king," Hephaistion stated on a guarded tone.
"Yes, that is what we all hope, Hephaistion, his mother most of all. Has Alexander spoken to you about his mother?"
He nodded apprehensively. "He holds great faith in her."
"She hates you!"
The short, barked words startled Hephaistion up straight. "We have not met-"
"She knows of your existence, she knows she wants you away from her son. Far away." His loud words accompanied by the look in the king's eyes could not be misinterpreted. "Be careful, friend and lover of my son. I have taken you under my protection, but be on your guard at all times."
Hephaistion stared at the older man. Alexander's mother hated him, and he was talking to his father – was under his protection! It was bizarre. He had planned on remaining unseen here as much as possible, but he realised it was only logical he could not, being the lover of Alexander, the prince. Things were not like the old days. Someone he didn't even know hated him. It concerned him, for he didn't like things to be out of his control. Yet, it was good to know this, perhaps Philip was not as bad a man as he had believed. "Thank you, my king. I appreciate your words greatly, and I will take heed."
The Macedonian king nodded, seemingly satisfied. "Good." Hephaistion thought the other man was getting up, instead he stretched out his legs. "But there is more I need to discuss with you. Of no less importance."
