"That man is pacing a lot" Alexander thought as he watched one of his fathers guards walk backwards and forwards. Alexander had just had the best conversation with his father in years. Philip spoke to him like he was human, perhaps because now that Philip had a son he could mould to loving and accepting Philip's ways then it was all falling into place. He needn't be angry with Alexander.

Philip insisted Alexander walk around to the front of the arena, declaring that he should obey him at least one time in his life. Alexander kept watching the man over his father's shoulder with keen and sickening interest. If he hadn't seen his mother, doing the same thing he was, he would've thought nothing of it. He tried to convince his father he should go with him, but rejected again Alexander told his father to have courage… for he feared, within his heart of hearts; his mother was up to something.

Hephaistion came and stood beside him as his father proceeded down the hallway that erupted in loud cheers, deafening to the ears. Alexander turned slightly to looked at Hephaistion, not expecting to see him there after the previous nights.

"I'm sorry I haven't come to you, Hephaistion" Alexander whispered, "I…"

' I know the reason Alexander" Hephaistion smiled, "Your family needed you"

"It's not that. My father told me today that one day all the riches in the world will be mine… do you think that perhaps, he is giving me the crown?" Alexander's eyes were filled with wonder and excitement,

"I wouldn't be too sure, Alexander" Hephaistion warned; touching his shoulder lightly, "Your father is a confusing man"

Alexander eyed Hephaistion for a moment but didn't say anything.

"Perhaps you are right, Hephaistion" Alexander acknowledged, his hand touched Hephaistion's shoulder which sent shivers up his spine,

"It's only an assumption; maybe this marriage has done him good" Alexander let go of Hephaistion, as Hephaistion nearly exploded into a million pieces.

"So come Alexander, we should go" Hephaistion's breathing had changed slightly as Alexander turned fully around to look at him. His head was cocked, like Hephaistion always loved, his eyes were deep and sparkling, like pools of swirling mist.

Then it happened. No sooner had Alexander turned around did Hephaistion see it.

"What?" Alexander asked Hephaistion, Hephaistion's face turned white.

"A…" he began, but Alexander turned around and saw it too. His father, lay dying on the sand, a dagger sticking out of his side.

Alexander's eyes widened still not believing it, as Hephaistion tried to hold him, but he pulled away, tearing down the hallway into the arena, as thousands of people ran screaming for their lives and his fathers closest friends all stood by and watched helplessly as their King perished.

Alexander's tear stained face glanced up at the crowd, and there sitting still as stone, her eyes locked on Alexander, Olympias waited.

Alexander started screaming, lifting his father's head to his hands. As his father's one eye dilated, the life gone from his body, Alexander wept openly, the blood from his father stained his mouth.

He saw them, his fathers friends and sons all gather around. And in an instant he was hoisted to his feet and as the thoughts swirled and the inertia pulled him, Alexander in the seconds of his fathers' death was now the king of Macedonia, having never been in a big conflict before in his life.