Chapter 1: A Promise

Almost A Year Later

Alexander's birthday is in one week, in one weeks time he would become 18. A blessing and a burden in his eyes because finally he would be considered a man in his fathers, and the worlds, eyes but the insistent nagging that he should take a wife and beget and heir was wearing his nerves rather thin.

" I can't take it anymore Hephaistion, I swear if one more person says I have to take a wife, I'm gonna clock him one" sighed Alexander, laying facedown on his bed. Hephaistion sat on a chair not far away and sighed.

"Maybe you should get married…" whispered Hephaistion quietly knowing Alexander heard him and bowed his head slightly knowing what was coming next.

"What? What did you say?" yelled Alexander jumping upright and moving towards Hephaistion, who didn't even blink at the raised voice. Alexander couldn't believe his eyes, he would have suspected to hear many things, all words of comfort and love but not this. Stopping in front of Hephaistion he continued,

"Not you too Hephaistion? I would expect those words from anyone but you. I can't believe I'm hearing this. Why should I get married? I do not want to get married now, besides I love only you Hephaistion….." Alexander trailed of and sighed.

"It is for the best Alexander. It would make your mother and father happy, not to mention all of Macedonia, especially if she would bare you a son. Those are things I cannot give you Alexander, no matter how much I might love you. Besides if you don't marry now, you will marry someday and not need me anymore, why stall what must happen." Said Hephaistion without much conviction in his voice, as if he was trying to convince himself. Alexander couldn't believe his eyes and turned away trying to hide the tears that were forming behind his eyes. Not hearing one sound from Alexander while he expected a lot of yelling and curses, Hephaistion grew worried and looked up towards Alexander's, whose shoulders were shaking with suppressed sobs.

Quickly standing up he moved towards Alexander and lay a hand on his shoulder calling his name worriedly;

"Alexander?"

"Do you not love me anymore?" asked Alexander quietly with a teary voice. Turning him around Hephaistion cupped Alexander's face with his two hands, whipping away some stray tears that escaped his eyes with his thumbs, he smiled.

"I love you more then life itself…. my Alexander." After hearing those words Alexander flung himself at Hephaistion and hugged him close.

"Then why say such hurtful things?" asked Alexander,

" It was not my intent to hurt you Alexander but your father and mother…." Hearing those words Alexander's grief turned to anger;

"My parents? They put you up to this didn't they?" Hephaistion didn't answer but Alexander could see it in his eyes.

" Ack! What did I do to deserve such meddlesome parents? Can't they leave me… us… alone for a change? They have tried forever to brake us up, but they will never be able to. Why can't they see that?" rambled Alexander pacing up and down his room making Hephaistion dizzy.

"They have a point though! You need an heir sooner of later Alexander." Said Hephaistion after he was sure Alexander calmed down but still got a dark look for it.

"Just listen will you? You getting married will not change the fact that I love you…"

"Or I you…" interrupted Alexander.

"Or you me…" continued Hephaistion, "If you got married now, and beget an heir both your parents will be happy and leave you alone. We will still see each other…" when he saw Alexander was about to interrupt he held up his hand and continued "you will have new duties with the wedding and I understand… truly. It will happen sooner or later anyway, it is your destiny…" Alexander was silent as he got up and walked towards Hephaistion and hugged him hard.

"How, did I ever deserve a person like you in my life? Promise me….Promise me! We will never stop loving each other and will forever be together. Even in death." Hugging him back Hephaistion answered;

"Forever in all eternity."

Moving back they looked into each others eyes conveying their feelings, moving as one they leaned closer and sealed their promise with a kiss.