Alexander was thinking of anything but Hephaistion in the days after the party. His mother learned that only a few years after the ultimate assassination of his second pregnant wife, Philip was going to remarry. Alexander had met both Atalas and Eurideche before and disliked them instantly. Knowing all too well that Philip's plan was for a son, a son to replace the one he hated.

For the latter part of his teens, Philip had stopped harassing Alexander and started to treat him as a royal. As if he belonged there. His mother in that time had slowly driven herself into believing in Dionysius, that snakes would be laid around her neck like diamonds, whereas before as a child they were idols, now they were part of his mothers' family. What a family indeed. Olympius descended from the great god who was mortal, Achilles and ever since his mother had claimed Alexander as the son of Zeus. Though taking it lightly, Alexander knew he couldn't possibly be the son of a great god if that was true, Philip would've disowned him long ago. Maybe that's what Alexander only hoped. Philip was playing the game, have his own heir that he knew for certain would be his and flush Alexander out of his existence and the right to the throne.

This is why the impending pressures of marriage on Alexander would always force him back to Hephaistions bed. That evening, after a terrible fight at his fathers wedding, Alexander made love with Hephaistion not once, not twice but 5 times.

Hephaistion cried out in pain as one of Alexander's jerks ripped his skin. Alexander exited immediately Hephaistion sat up, trying to stop himself from crying. Alexander fell backwards against the pillows, his breathing was jagged and his heart was pounding, just the way it always was when he and Hephaistion were together. Hephaistion got out of the bed and draped sheets around his shoulders, his blue eyes were gentle and calm but he himself looked like he was going to cry.

"I'm sorry… I know I was rough with you" Alexander said, Hephaistion turned slightly to see the tanned legs of Alexander's hanging limply at the side of the bed, his eyes were staring at the ceiling, so Hephaistion nodded.

"Answer me please?" Alexander's gaze lowered at Hephaistion,

"I have nothing to say, Alexander" Hephaistion said softly, raising his deep blue eyes to his face, "There is no need for words at the moment"

"I said I'm sorry" Alexander bickered, "I didn't mean to push so hard… I am just"

"Why bother explaining it, Alexander?" Hephaistion said, his eyes darkened a little, this frightened Alexander a great deal, he had never seen Hephaistion angry, annoyed even upset.

"Hephaistion… "Alexander began, but Hephaistion turned around, his eyes fixed on Alexanders.

"What are you going to do, Alexander?" Hephaistion asked him, Alexander was still staring at him.

"Well of course I have to attend this second engagement… I can't exactly avoid it" Alexander muttered, "You can come, I want you to be there"

"Why Alexander? He'll try and take us both on"

"Are you afraid Hephaistion?" Alexander asked him, Hephaistion turned away, "I just wish you'd consider the fact that your father is out to hurt you…. He'll no doubt, if this marriage is successful, ship you off to go fight in a jungle somewhere… he's unforgiving…." Hephaistion stopped as Alexander motioned towards him; Alexander rested his hand on Hephaistion's shoulder,

"There is no reason for such worry, Hephaistion" Alexander said gently, massaging his neck with his thumbs, "You and I will make it through in the end"

"Till the very end" Hephaistion looked at Alexander over his shoulder who kissed his neck, "Yes… now come, we shouldn't keep them waiting"

As Alexander left, Hephaistion shook his head. When did Alexander become so blind? But then when he saw Olympius he realised that his mothers influence was far greater than anything else in Alexanders mind. She was planning something, Hephaistion could feel it.