I'm trying hard not to make it a Mary-Sue story but I fear this chapter won't do any good but I hope you will bear with me and keep reading. If you see anything that I can change to 'none mary-sue' please let me know.

A BIG 'thank you' to those who reviewed so far!

Chapter 3: Forbidden Dances.

Today was Alexander's birthday, the day he became 18 and the whole world knew it. Kings, royalty and anyone of importance was invited to the party and it was a joyous occasion.

But it had a bittersweet touch to it for Alexander because this was also the day he would meet his bride and he was not looking forward to it. He didn't like the idea of marrying a total stranger, let alone someone he didn't love. Hephaistion who knew who he was thinking about, comforted him.

"I will always love you, remember that."

But he too had a difficult time excepting it, knowing he will see less of Alexander after tomorow. Feeling each others turmoil, they had spent the night together, memorizing each other's bodies, reassuring themselves and each other of their love. They stayed awake until sunrise and watched it together laying in each other's arms not moving until it was time for them to get ready for the party.

Hours had past and the wine was flowing steadily, though Alexander drank almost none feeling too nervous as he sat close to his parents but feeling calmer when Hephaistion's hand lay on his leg reassuring him.

Then suddenly the king stood upright and have a speech,

"Today my son is a man!" and everyone cheered calling Alexander's name.

"Today is also the day, I officially declare him the heir to my throne. When I am gone, he shall be king and I which you all to treat him like you did me!" everyone cheered again, and Alexander felt moved by his father's gesture, he looked towards his mother but she had her eyes on King Philip. Eyes that again were full of love and Alexander smiled. Turning back towards his father as he announced his wedding. The whole room cheered and he felt Hephaistion squeeze his leg again. He patted the hand without looking towards the owner afraid he might run of with his love if he did.

"We have chosen a girl worthy to be called Wife of Alexander and therefore the new Queen of Macedonia. Eudora! " Philip quickly looked towards Olympias who nodded and he continued.

"She will show you she is worthy by performing an old and since long forbidden dance. Tomorrow is the wedding but today…." Philip waved towards the doors and they slowly opened to reveal guards surrounding a girl wearing a long and colourful dress and a veil covering her hair and most of her face. Alexander moved up a little for a better view and recognized the man walking in front of the guards, as the man who visited every year.

The man stopped in front of The King and Queen and bowed.

" Lord Cephalus! Come sit and meet Alexander." The man bowed again and said.

"I am honoured that you will marry my daughter." Keeping his blue eyes on Alexander as if he was studying him.

"The honour is mine." answered Alexander politely shifting slightly feeling uncomfortable under that gaze that suddenly switched between him and Hephaistion. The man bowed again earning him a puzzled look of both him and Hephaistion but before he could say anything the candles were put outn besides the ones surrounding the dance floor and soft music began to play.

The guard moved aside to reveal a young girl who started dancing. She twirled and moved around, jingling with every step, as she wore bracelets. Suddenly she pulled of her shawl covering her hair and it fell lose, Alexander could hear several people gasp at the length and beauty of it. She waved the shawl in the air moving it over her body as the music moved faster. Suddenly she opened her eyes and again Alexander came into contact with the brightest green eyes he's ever seen. She looked towards him, the candlelight shining in her eyes made it seem like they were burning. Alexander swallowed under that gaze, as did many men in that room.

Especially as she ripped of a piece of her dress, revealing the body of a goddess, as Ptolemy put it, she wore a tight and shorter dress underneath, showing off every curve of her body, firm breasts and a flat stomach.

Some people started to whistle and catcalls filled the air, making Alexander jealous. Though he did not understand why. Eudora kept dancing, her body twisting and bending as she moved across the floor, moving faster and faster, her veil and shawl following her every move as she waved them around. The entire room was transfixed as she weaved her magic, the music sped up more for the last part and when the music stopped Eudora fell to the floor and the whole room burst into applause.

The man King Philip referred to as Cephalus stood up and walked towards his daughter, helping her up. Alexander was transfixed by the Eudora's beauty and stared at her. As if she felt his gaze, she and her father turned towards Alexander and bowed. Again her gaze switched between Hephaistion, who obviously saw her beauty as well and became slightly worried and it showed for those who knew where to look, and Alexander and again she bowed slightly to Hephaistion as well. As she stood upright she looked strait into Hephaistion's eyes conveying words she obviously couldn't say but Hephaistion suddenly felt at ease and bowed slightly back.

Alexander who saw the little exchange smiled lightly hoping there will be a solution for their 'problem' some day. The changes looked good. Eudora and her father left and Alexander would see them again tomorrow on his wedding say.

The rest of the evening they kept partying, Alexander's friends congratulating him with his lovely fiancé, though Cassander warned him for her punch and they all laughed.

Both Alexander and Hephaistion suddenly felt at ease and enjoyed the rest of the evening, never leaving each other's side.