Chapter 9: The Assassination

Months later after King Philip finally beat all the rebel Greek cities and they all recognized him as his king he decided to invade Persia and avenge the deaths of those who died during Persian attacks. It was now winter so he decided to prepare his war then, and in the spring he would travel to Greece and be crowned their King.

Alexander was often present during those meetings, as were King Philip's generals, and now and then Alexander's companions were invited to give their idea's and input on this war because Philip always appreciated a fresh look on things.

But because of this Alexander was often away from his wife and missed important parts of her pregnancy, like the first movement of his child. He will never forget the moment he first felt his child move,

Alexander sighed as he left another late night meeting with his father and his generals, they often lost track of time discussing the Persian war and today wasn't any different. He rubbed his neck, as he made his way towards his chambers passing guards now and then, who stood at attention when he passed.

Entering his chamber, he saw there was still a lamp burning and he heard a faint humming. Passing his study, he walked in the bathroom, undressed and put on a warm cloak, because it was a little chilly due to the snow they were having that winter. Stepping into his bedroom he noticed both Hephaistion and Eudora were both awake. They obviously haven't heard him yet because neither of them moved. Walking around he saw Eudora was propped up against some cushions, her stomach which was beginning to show, bared and Hephaistion had his head on it, eyes closed and humming while Eudora threaded her fingers trough his hair.

Alexander smiled at the tender scene and walked into view making Eudora look up smiling,

"Alexander…" at this Hephaistion opened his eyes and looked at Alexander smiling, reaching for his hand,

"Alexander, come feel." Taking Hephaistion's hand, he was pulled closer and his hand was placed on Eudora's slightly bulging stomach. He caressed her stomach for awhile, not really understanding until he suddenly felt a slight fluttering under his palm and he gasped,

"Is that…" and both Eudora and Hephaistion smiled at him nodding. Tears of happiness sprang to his eyes and he laid down on the bed and put his head on Eudora's stomach, much like Hephaistion did earlier, still caressing,

"Hi, little one. I'm your father."

Alexander stepped outside smiling at the memory, pulling his cloak tight around himself to shield himself from the cold. He breathed the fresh air when suddenly his face came into contact with something wet and cold. Wiping his face, he muttered,

"A snowball! Who?" looking around he saw no one but he could hear laughter nearby and the snow was covered with footprints. Walking into the courtyard, cautious now, but still seeing nothing he suddenly heard someone scream,

"Now!" and he was pelted with snowballs from all sides, laughter in it's wake. When the bombardment stopped and he wiped all snow away he saw all his companions laughing like there was no tomorrow.

Not liking the situation he quickly made some snowballs of his own and began pelting his friends, soon there were two teams and they were attacking each other hoping to be the victor. They played all afternoon, forgetting they were all 20 and older and simply having fun.

5 Months Later – May

Today King Philip was crowned King of Greece and to celebrate it, his daughter was going to be married on the same day. The whole royal family including Queen Olympia and, a now 8 months pregnant, Eudora was there. Philip's Generals and Alexander's companions where also present.

King Philip rode with his son and heir together in a cart, waving to the people. Philip commented that he always wanted to see the Greeks grovel for Macedonia and today his wish came true. Alexander said nothing and just nodded feeling uneasy for some reason. When they arrived at the stadium, King Philip ordered his son-in-law and his son Alexander to walk 5 meters in front of him and his royal guard to follow after he entered and not before.

Alexander tried to convince his father to enter with guards but he would hear none of it and Alexander relented and said to his father to rejoice at every step. The king looked emotional and loving at his son for a moment, saying,

"I know I don't say it often Alexander but I am proud of you. Now listen for once and go…"

And he shoved his son towards the entrance, Alexander conversed with his brother-in-law for moment and when the trumpets sounded they both entered walking behind each other. When they entered the stadium, the people started applauding, he looked up and saw his mother, sister, wife, Hephaistion and his companions all clapping and smiling with the audience. Soon, the trumpets sounded again and someone announced his father. Everyone cheered again but soon the cheers of joy became cries of horror and everyone pointed at something behind him. He turned around and saw his father's body fall, blood mingling with the sand, and one of the royal guards run away covered in blood.

He quickly turned and ran towards his father, sliding down next to him. His hand felt his way over his father's body trying to stop the bleeding but only getting blood all over him. He grabbed his father's face, tears streaming down his face, screaming,

"Father, nooooo…" Philip's looked at his son's face, caressing it uttering his name before dropping his arm and dying,

Alexander shook his father's body several times, not believing he was gone and when he realised he was truly dead, he started sobbing, clutching his father's body close. He could feel people moving around him, suddenly someone grabbed his arm pulling him upright yelling,

"The King Lives!"

Then someone placed his father's golden crown on his head and cheers erupted again. Someone turned his face and he came face to face with Hephaistion,

"You're King now Alexander."

He shook his head not believing it, he looked around in a daze noticing almost everyone left, he vaguely wondered where Eudora was and whether she was safe but he felt so detached he couldn't find the courage to ask. He stared in front of him, he was vaguely aware that his father's body was carried away and everyone left. He felt a touch on his shoulders, looking up he once again came face to face with Hephaistion and he fell trough his knees sobbing like a little child.

Hephaistion held him, whispering words of comfort and placing a kiss on his hair now and then, knowing how much Alexander loved his father. When Alexander's sobbing subsided they both looked at each other finally realising that Alexander, age 20, was now King of Macedonia and Greece.