To l-vingphai: Okay, I'll stop being mean. :P Though I really do think this chapter has it's own meanness… (but is my Olympias really that unique? I thought this is pretty much what she is like in the movie… am I wrong?) Anyway, thanks!
To Gabo0: I'm really glad you like this story as well!
To Lorenna: Ah, what to say to that? It's music to my ears… ;)
To Warrior-princess1980: Hey Amy, you're very welcome, you know I enjoyed helping. And thanks for the compliment!
To Kate: I'm glad you think my portrayal of Alexander's parents interesting. They are harder to write then just Alexander and Hephaistion…
To pynoi: It's wonderful you like it so much, thanks! As for the Philip/Hephaistion… go on and read. :)
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"Alexander needs someone by his side, someone strong and smart, to make sure he stays on the right path," the king spoke, his serious gaze still resting on Hephaistion. "For all his ambition, the boy tends to have little common sense. Now, this person would be Olympias, if it was up to her, but it may also be you, if you have truly taken a place in his heart and are willing to fight for it."
The older man waited a moment, as if he was expecting Hephaistion to counter this, but as he remained quiet Philip continued: "If you wish to remain with Alexander, realise she won't make it easy for you. But if you succeed, you must take the responsibilities coming with involved with it – you cannot only be his friend and lover, but you must also be his general and his confidant in anything he will have to do once he holds power. Can you be that for him? Do you have the wisdom and strength for that?"
Hephaistion was quiet. What answer was Philip expecting but yes? Even when he knew way too little about warfare and the keeping of an empire? He had learned a lot from Aristotle, yet that not that sort of thing… But the king had just stated it was either him or Olympias, and seemed to be on his side – yet the honest answer would be no. Where was this question leading them? "With all my heart I would do it, if that task would indeed be mine."
Philip gave a short laugh. "You are smarter than I expected, Hephaistion. Which is good, since I have an offer for you."
Hephaistion's whole attention turned on the king's one eye.
"I will teach you all you need to know, and I will help you in breaking Olympias' spell on Alexander. You will be under my personal protection."
Hephaistion opened his mouth but did not speak. This was all going too fast. Why would Philip propose such a thing? The king wanted to have Alexander to himself again… and use him for it. If it were so, let him admit it. "And what do you ask in return for all of that, my king?"
"That you be my eromenos."
Hephaistion held his breath in surprise. This couldn't be. The man couldn't be serious! "What?! You cannot ask that of me, I am Alexander's!"
"Yet Alexander is his mother's. It is your choice, Hephaistion."
This was ridiculous. This man had seven wives and numerous lovers! Hephaistion tried his best to control his voice, but he was beyond caring if he was going to far by speaking his mind freely. "Why? Is this a game to you, my king? If all you have just told me is true, then you'll benefit as much from what you will learn me as I will. Alexander is your only heir, and you need me to get a hold on him!"
Philip laughed. "Life is a game, young Hephaistion, even if you cannot see it. You have to play the cards well and then you will win. If Alexander will remain Olympias' toy, there's nothing that will stop me from having another son that will truly be mine. Alexander is not my last option. I however, am your last option."
Philip's voice softened, but he kept his eye intently fixed on Hephaistion's face. "Alexander's heart is young and wild, he may promise you his undying love, but you will lose him one day. To the wife he will take, to other lovers that are sure to come, and above all to the unexplored land that will call to him every day: conquer me, conquer me! Alexander has been spoiled into a fool living on ambition from the day he was born! Stand by him in wisdom, and a part of him will remain yours. Be only his childhood lover – and you will lose everything. You know it."
Hephaistion's heart had sunk during the king's little speech, for not only did the words make sense, his own thoughts had travelled that way before. Alexander never let him talk about such things, and to hear them now from his father… He clenched his hands. The world had never been as beautiful and perfect as Alexander would have him believe. But that didn't give Alexander's father any right to ask this! But this was not just Alexander's father, it was also his king…
As Hephaistion opened his mouth to retort, Philip raised a hand to prevent him from speaking. "You are angry and confused, and you have the right to be. I will say you this: as it is custom for a eromenos to share his mentor's bed, so it is also custom to wait with that until both people involved know each other better. I will give you time – I will teach you, and perhaps one day, when you think that you indeed owe me something, you will share my bed. You do not have to decide now."
Did Philip think he would say no then, should he decide now? Could one refuse a king? What risks would be involved? Hephaistion didn't know, but no fear would get him to betray Alexander. He calmed himself, anger and confusion trying to overwhelm him, but his common sense, as always, still present. "You forget one thing, my king. How would you keep this a secret to Alexander?"
The king snorted. "Come to me in the early hours of the morning, when he is asleep. You sleep in your own bed, do you not?"
"That does not seem any of your business, my king." If the man wanted honesty, he could get it. Hephaistion stood up and walked away without looking back, all he wanted was to get away from this man who was trying to throw his life upside down. He would not do this without Alexander knowing. Which would mean he would not do it at all.
Yet, the words had eaten their way into the young man's heart.
