Thanks for all your compliments about my update speed lol, I'm so sorry to leave you all hanging there this time… Point is that sometimes, I do have a little bit of a life, and since my term break is over, school is eating up my time as well… Life is hard. ;) But don't fear, I have not left you, and I'll really try to update often. (and thanks for your concern, Annie, I'm happy to report that I'm really feeling better again!)
Special surprise for dear Valo: the bathing scene! No, not in this chapter, but in a short interlude I wrote just for fun, because I needed an inspiration boost. Since it is written in a different way than the rest of the story I have decided not to post it here, but you can read it in my lj (see my 'homepage'). Everyone interested (who could not be? lol), please take a look and feel free to leave comments. :)
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She watched the boys of Pella wrestling, sitting quiet like a statue, only the occasional movements of her eyes betraying life in her body. The morning was already heating up, but Olympias had placed herself in the shadow of one of the surrounding buildings, as she had done often, even after Alexander left. A servant continuously waved fresh air in her direction, the created breeze moving her dark curls. The children's fanatical grappling calmed her… They fought so bravely for a bit of honour, these were the men that would serve her son in the future. She had kept and was still keeping an eye on everything, for Alexander, for when he would gratefully accept her help to prepare him for his kingship.
A shadow moved in the corner of her eye and someone approached, but she did not let her eyes drift from the two closest boys, the dark-haired one gripping the other around the waist to pull him down, but failing as the other tackled him and they both fell in the sand.
"Why are you watching them?"
She looked up, and her cool eyes rested on two brown ones. Her lips turned into a smile. "Ah, Alexander. How are you?" She wondered what had happened last night after he had taken off, after he had given his father that little speech that still made her feel proud. Her little Alexander, using his rhetoric qualities on the one who insisted him being taught – it was too good to be true.
Her golden-haired son did not answer, as his eyes drifted to the servant standing a few paces away. With a straight face she motioned for the man to leave. He did so quickly, his eyes turned down. "Well?"
"I found Hephaistion yesterday," he answered steadily.
She had assumed that much, even if she had hoped otherwise. She pouted her lips a little, settling her gaze back on his. "What did he have to say for himself?"
Alexander huffed in annoyance. "My father talked him into believing that he'd loose me unless he could be of use to me. So Hephaistion agreed to let Philip teach him about warfare."
Olympias slowly rose her eyebrows. "I see." That was amusing news, and she could have known. He was a smart man, after all, despite his weaknesses. It could not have been hard to make the other understand that his future was hopeless, for it was the truth…
If only his lust for young flesh had not driven him to nearly rape the boy last night, his plan might have succeeded and his son's confidant would have been his. Now, Philip had nothing, and Hephaistion had been proven disloyal, so all her Alexander had left was herself. The gods were smiling down upon her. Her lips curled upwards and a chuckle left her mouth. "Your father always had an eye for beauty."
Alexander glared at her, and his voice was calm but sharp. "You think this amusing, mother?"
Only then she realised it, surprising flooding over her features, and she glared back at him. "You have not opened your eyes yet, have you? Love is still blinding you!" How could he not see this? How was it possible he still believed in his 'friend'? After this! That Hephaistion surely was a good talker, that he managed to get himself out of this. And oh, Alexander had developed these weaknesses in his heart, while she had not been there to keep an eye on him, if only he was not completely spoiled…
"No mother, it has opened my eyes," he objected resolutely, a frown settling over his face.
"Do not speak such foolish words, Alexander. See what Hephaistion has done. With the first sign of his own future being endangered, he chooses what it is best for himself. Would you have someone like that by your side? He will betray you."
"It is my choice. My life, my heart and my kingship. For once, you will have to trust me in this." He turned away from her, his lips pressed to thin lines.
"Alexander, you are a fool!" She hastily stopped herself when multiple eyes settled on her and her son, who was now scowling down upon her.
There was a hint of sarcasm in his words. "Fortune favours the bold, they say, mother. Let me take my chance, even if you consider it dangerous!"
Olympias swallowed as she turned her head towards the yard once more, where the boys had just been told to leave for the noon. Alexander did not listen to her. He was not going to be convinced. She had to go along with him now, she knew, or there was a chance she would lose him. Later he would find out she had been right all along… but then he would only learn to put more trust in her. Even if it would hurt him terribly when his love for this Hephaistion would betray him, it was part of life. She had to let him make his own mistakes, and could only hope they would not prove to be fatal. "Alright, Alexander," she spoke evenly, releasing an audible sigh. A silence followed.
"Mother, I trust you, and I need your help." The tone of his voice had changed, softer now, pleading, and his eyes showed his anguish as he directed himself at her. "What will Philip do? How can I protect Hephaistion from him?"
Poor, distressed Alexander. Hopelessly trying to protect this man that had stolen his heart, and was now trying to break him. If Hephaistion was smart enough for that. If he was not, then he was vulnerable for more play – if she took the initiative herself now. Or perhaps getting rid of him wasthe best method. Not for Philip, but at least for herself… What would Philip do, indeed?
She met his eyes calmly and then softened her gaze, hiding her thoughts. "Your father is king. He will do what he wants to do, you cannot protect him, unless you wish to send him away from Pella. But I assume you wish to keep your little lover with you."
Alexander's dark eyes darted away from hers for a moment, then returned, looking only slightly more reserved. Hiding his anger perfectly. At least he did still realise he needed her, and should not oppose her further. It nearly made her smile. "Is Hephaistion's life in danger?"
Olympias quietly shook her head and sighed. "Rumours have spread through the palace, Alexander. No one knows exactly what has happened, but enough is known to make this a hard situation for Philip. His pride is on the line. Who knows what he will do?"
"But would he kill?" Alexander blurted out, his voice desperate. "Mother, be clear!"
"He is ever out on hurting you, Alexander." But now, she would take control of the situation. "For you, I will try to speak with him. In the mean time, you should make sure to let no other word get out about this. Tell that to Hephaistion as well, this is Philip's decision."
