A reminder of someone who visited my lj some days ago, gave me the sudden inspiration to start writing on this again… Thanks. :)

So, here's chapter 16, thank you all for waiting patiently (well not that you had a choice ;)). I am sorry for not updating sooner, but I just needed a break. Not that I ever stopped writing (don't fear, Valo ;)), but plotless stuff is just so much easier to write. That reminds me, thanks to all of you who reviewed on my little interlude in paradise, both here on and on my lj. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. :)

chapter 16

"My king, Hephaistion is in prince Alexander's room. But he… he claims he is unwell."

Philip looked up at the servant boy, who had just entered his room and now stood with downcast eyes. Unwell… such an interesting excuse to disobey an order. "Was he alone?"

"From what I could tell, yes, my lord." The boy swallowed.

It seemed everyone already knew what happened, and everyone was even more cautious around their king. And they were right to be. There was only a slight headache lingering, but anger rose inside of him every time he thought back on what happened last night – what he could remember of it. Anger and… regret. He had finally claimed what he wanted, and had been completely embarrassed in front of his wife, son, guards, and with them the rest of the world. One did not embarrass a king, not even one who might… have gone too far. But kings don't go too far.

"Very well. You may go." And as the boy turned around he added: "But- do not open your mouth about this to anyone. You understand?" His glare made sure the other understood, and the boy left the room quickly without looking back.

Philip sighed. So, Alexander had left his precious one alone, and if he knew his son well enough it was to speak with his mother. Who would without doubt think of her own plan to deal with this, anything to get Hephaistion out of the picture and get her Alexander back. That was the last thing he would allow to happen.

He stood up and opened the large wooden trunk in the back of his room, and took out his long brown cloak. Sneaking about in his own palace was not one of his habits, but he was not planning to let everyone know that their king was visiting his son's room after what just happened. He could just let Hephaistion be brought to him, if he wanted, but that would only draw more attention.

Unseen by anyone he left his room, hood pulled down as he hurried through the corridors towards his destination. This situation should have been avoided. He had run right past what he had wanted to achieve, had made it impossible now, even... One thing you learned soon enough after becoming king, was that even a king could not get everything.

"Hephaistion," he called upon reaching his son's quarters, and knocked firmly on the door.

No response.

Philip's lips became a thin line as he let his breath slip away through his nose. "I am sure not all of your common sense has left you, and you will let your king in."

After another moment, he heard soft footsteps and the door was unbarred. A pale face appeared, and alert blue eyes. Familiar beauty.

Philip placed a hand on the door and pushed it further open, the Hephaistion backing away as he entered the room. "I am glad to see you are not too unwell to be able to open the door." He smiled, then closed and barred the door behind him.

He turned back to the younger, his voice slightly mocking. "I hope you are not… hurt?"

Hephaistion stared back at him. "I am fine, my king."

"Are you sure?" He knew Hephaistion was not so ignorant that he'd think his situation was as he just said – it was far from fine.

But the dark-haired did not respond, just waited, his slender right hand nervously drifting over his upper leg.

Philip slowly shook his head. "I never wished there to be strife between us, Hephaistion, I have come to like you. But apparently, that is one-sided. Not many are bold enough to… show that." The other did not meet his challenging gaze, but left the silence hanging in the room.

"Lost your tongue?"

Hephaistion hesitated, then cleared his throat and looked up. "Anything I'd say would be even more… boldness, my king."

Honesty, and indeed more boldness. It actually pleased him. But the young man was now looking at him rather arrogantly, and Philip gave him an ironic smile. "Not the type for begging for forgiveness? Join me in my bed and all of this will be forgotten."

It was worth it just to see Hephaistion's expression change - appalled, even more alert and brains that seemed working at top speed.

This was not about someone who was trying to dishonour his king, Philip realised, but about someone who was, just as his son, led by friendship and love. His own anger was justified, but perhaps it should be directed at the Gods and not at this young man… and not even a king should dare oppose a God.

With a sudden change of demeanour, Philip laughed. "I thought that idea would not appeal to you, Hephaistion, loving Alexander as you do." His expression sobered. "But I cannot just let you get away with this, I know you understand that."

Their eyes met, and for the first time since he entered, the young man's body relaxed. A large gap between them, in position, in desires, but Hephaistion finally seemed to realise that the king did not want to see him killed. Was not out to hurt him, even after what had happened. Was perhaps even letting some of his pride go. There was wonder on Hephaistion's face.

Simply content that a form of mutual understanding had been reached, a little smile came on Philip's lips, and he spoke again, softer. "I would see Alexander be king one day. I would see one proven as loyal as you at his side. What has happened has nothing to do with that, except proving you both capable of standing up for yourself – even if it was… unwise. And unacceptable. My reign is not over yet, and I can not tolerate my son and his lover standing up to me."

"I understand," Hephaistion responded softly.

"Good. Then you will see how easily I will let you get away with this – I have a meeting with my generals this afternoon, you will ask permission to speak to me and apologize to me in front of them. And," Philip said after a short pause, "I demand obedience, from now on."

The beautiful young man, the one who would from now on belong to his son and never to him, sighed and nodded. "That is acceptable." Again, their eyes met.

Not letting go of his newfound pride, acting as if he was offered a choice, speaking as if Philip was just an ordinary man... This was the very last time he would let Hephaistion get away with that. One last time, he would see some kind of equal in him. There was a wild soul in there, brave, smart, caring and loyal, someone who would certainly grow to be someone commanding respect, in his own quiet way.

When he walked closer, Hephaistion did not step backwards. Not even when he extended his hand and placed on the other's shoulder.Philip's lips curled up in a tiny smile, before breaking their eye contact, turning around and leaving the room.