Authors Note: I have been away for a while because I started Uni this week; sorry it has taken a while to get back into writing.
Alexander had everything packed up by the evening. All the armour had been stored in crates, being carried and put into storage on the boats. Alexander watched from his carriage for a moment, as all the soldiers marched singular file into the into the holding bay, thousands or more cramming into other smaller boats, barely big enough to a hundred people yet alone hundred people and their luggage.
Hephaistion also watched out the window, his hand gripped Alexander's thigh as a sign of encouragement, Alexander sighed. His throat felt parched and his mind was racing as he pulled Hephaistion close to him for a quick nervous kiss.
Hephaistion sighed and stroked the side of his face,
"What if this doesn't work and I look a fool?" Alexander whispered after their embrace, Hephaistion shook his head,
"… you're never foolish, Alexander" Hephaistion smiled and hugged him tightly, as he watched Cassander and Cleitus pull up in a carriage beside them. Hephaistion helped Alexander down and Alexander went over to them; shaking their hands. Hephaistion grimaced as Cassander nodded at him, he didn't do it back.
"It is a full moon, this shall aid our journey somewhat" Cleitus smiled, as Alexander nodded, Hephaistion stood silently, his arms crossed over disapprovingly.
"We're sorry to hear about Olympias, Alexander" Cassander lied, "We know how important she is to you"
"… All in the name of progress and truth" Alexander said softly, Cassander smiled softly and patted his shoulder, "maybe later, when you are better settled, you shall resolve this problem?"
"She still outwardly denies it" Hephaistion protested finally, "I spoke with your mother, Alexander. She is genuine in her knowledge"
Alexander glanced at him, an awkward contorted expression formed across his face as he nodded and turned back to Cassander and Cleitus,
"Such a pretty face could fool anyone" Cleitus muttered, glaring accusingly at Hephaistion, Hephaistion' eyebrows rose slightly,
"Clearly you are mistaken, Cleitus. I have no sexual feeling towards Alexander's mother…. Just Alexander" Hephaistion smiled a little, as he could see Cassander grinding his teeth in disgust,
"Let us not argue, we have to travel together, all in the same boat…" Alexander waved his hand a little, and their attention was drawn back to him again.
"All right, my King" Hephaistion said softly, as Cleitus and Cassander grinned stupidly and climbed aboard the vessel. Hephaistion waited til they had disappeared before he grabbed Alexander's arm, holding him still for a moment.
"You invited them to stay on our boat? Even though they have plotted to kill you?" Hephaistion bickered; the tension flickered through his blue eyes like electric shocks,
"To let them see I know their lies" he paused for a moment, is a sure why of dying early" Alexander's eyes lowered to the ground, before trailing back up to Hephaistion's, Hephaistion's eyes were sad and deep, concerned with worry and affected by some deep troubles. No matter how Alexander had tried to find the secret he was hiding, he remained unsuccessful, he brushed Hephaistion's arm softly, and his fingers trickling down like water across Hephaistion's skin,
'Trust me Hephaistion, for I am not blind" Alexander whispered and Hephaistion nodded.
"I have no choice" Hephaistion said to himself, and followed Alexander, Cleitus and Cassander aboard the vessel that would take them to Guagamala and the beginning of Alexander the leader.