From that moment on, Alexander's cockiness would only strengthen. He walked proudly around the kingdom now, and whenever Philip was out as well he would make a point to walk straight past him. Alexander knew that Philip hated him, despised him even. But even if Alexander did do wrong in Philip's eye, at least it couldn't possibly get any worse.
Alexander, now on the evening of his 20 birthday had been invited to a birthday party for Termeh, a rich merchant's daughter living in Macedon. Alexander hated parties, and despised having to meet women when they all knew he was with Hephaistion, but none the less, ever convincing as always, his mother provoked him so much that he ended up going, and taking Hephaistion.
"I really wish you'd go to this party alone, Alexander" his mother protested, "Termeh wanted you to come… not Hephaistion"
'I don't care what she wants" Alexander retorted, coming out of the bathroom, his silver and gold robes neatly tucked into a long pair of black silk pants, "I care what I want and I have it"
"I know it is important for you to have this relationship with Hephaistion, but please, for the sake of the kingdom, you need an heir"
"Not this ridiculous discussion again" Alexander muttered, tucking his hair under a golden encrusted headband.
"It's not ridiculous, you need an heir"
"While Philip is still king I see no reason to have a child"
"He won't be King for very long…" his mother began, but Alexander turned and glared at her, she stopped talking that second.
'What was that?" he asked her, staring at her coldly.
"Nothing… I just think it's important for you to have a family and a child"
"Your reasons are … unfathomable" Alexander paused, "I should have a child because they're important. Well… they're not to me, not yet"
"I'm sorry for thinking about your interests, Alexander" his mother sneered, "It seems I'm too preoccupied with your future, rather than your past"
Alexander didn't know where to begin with that. Hephaistion was never Alexander's past, he was always with him. His feuds with his father ever since he rebelled had weakened because now Alexander was refusing to back down, which in his father's twisted mind was a show of respect and manhood.
"Leave the matter, please?" Alexander begged, walking off down the hall, "They will all see that I have chosen! And chosen wisely!"
Olympius muttered something softly as Alexander skipped off to Hephaistion's house.