Hephaistion, even though he tried hard not to think of Alexander, was thinking of him regularly. Every second of his day was filled with thoughts of him, and it was hard so hard to not pay attention to that feeling of lust, that consumed him entirely.
When Alexander walked into his tent one night, tears streaming openly down his face, the look that only someone in dire circumstances would give, big mouse brown eyes filled with fear and worry, he did what he would always do; comfort him.
"Alexander?" Hephaistion said softly, watching his King cry openly in front of him. It wasn't soft gentle tears, but massive, hard blobs sticking to his cheeks. Hephaistion waited, not sure if he wanted to go over in case Alexander would scream at him, but Alexander did nothing and said nothing, he stood, crying.
Hephaistion's mind raced as he tried to think of what had brought this on. Had he had a bad night with Roxane? He was wearing his ring he gave him after all. Hephaistion walked over to him slowly, as Alexander raised his tear stain face to meet his eyes. So much pain, he hadn't seen this fragile Alexander in a while.
"I trusted him all trust is gone now" Alexander choked out, as Hephaistion listened, standing extremely close to him,
"Trusted who, Alexander?" Hephaistion asked, as Alexander gazed up at him,
"Philtoas…. He just tried to kill me" it all came out so fast, Hephaistion couldn't take a minute to think of it. Alexander's eyes were steely and cold under his tears, Hephaistion stood there dumbfounded.
"Why would he do that?" Hephaistion asked, "He's never displayed any signs of wanting the crown"
"Secret men are the ones to be careful of" Alexander said sternly, as Hephaistion bit his lip; he surely was only referring to Philotas, wasn't he?
"Maybe he was told to do it, Alexander. Maybe there is more to this than what you have heard?"
Alexander's eyes said it all. He took in a deep breath, and closed his eyes briefly,
"Then what is your theory, Hephaistion?" Alexander asked,
"Perhaps it's someone who would benefit from such treason?" Hephaistion asked, "Someone who would've had political power at home"
Alexander thought for a minute. No, it wasn't possible. Cleitus would never; he was his father's ally. Cassander on the other hand… this thought scared Alexander silly and he furrowed his brow, glancing at Hephaistion,
"There's something between you and Cassander, isn't there?" Alexander asked Hephaistion, "Something unresolved?"
Hephaistion felt his heart skip a beat as he swallowed hard,
"No, there isn't" Hephaistion protested, "I am just suggesting that there may be others involved"
"Meaning Cleitus and Cassander?" Alexander said softly,
"Perhaps them, yes" Hephaistion admitted, "I have never trusted them, Alexander"
Alexander nodded to himself,
"I am finding it difficult to trust you" Alexander said coolly, and retreated back to his tent, as Hephaistion finally released the breath he was holding.