Authors note: Thank-you all so much for your replies.

The smell of blood, thick and metallic roused Alexander from his sleep. He took in a deep, painful breath and opened his watery eyes as best he could. Beside him, there were damp, blood soaked rags, on his clothes the same sticky, clotting substance. He put his hands to his lips, tasting the tangy red liquid, he moved his hand slightly away from his face, and saw the deep crimson stain the tips of his fingers.

His eyes couldn't focus, and his poor heart was beating erratically. He looked upwards and saw through his peripheral vision the sparkling jewels of the banner; he winced as his chest fought for a breath of air. This action caused Cassander, who had been asleep beside him, to wake suddenly.

"Alexander?" He said softly, and Alexander's blood-shot eyes stared vacantly at him. He tried to speak, but words ailed him, his lips were cracked and dry. He breathed uneasily as he blinked, the mucus on his eyes knitting his lashes together, he groaned.

"Gods, Cassander" Ptolemy muttered, not wanting to walk into the room that smelled so vile, of faeces and urine, which Alexander himself reeked of.

"Come, Ptolemy. I think you should call the others to say their goodbyes" Cassander mused, as Alexander's hand gripped his shirt with a sudden angry thrust.

"I don't think he's going yet…" Ptolemy said sadly, turning his head away from Alexander. He couldn't believe what he had agreed to do, couldn't believe that it had been nearly a year and Alexander was still refusing to die.

"Go, Alexander. Be with Hephaistion" Cassander cooed in Alexander's ear, " You're losing this… there's nothing to live for here…"

"Don't" Ptolemy suddenly snapped as Cassander glanced over his shoulder at him.

"Don't do that, Cassander" Ptolemy said angrily, " He is deserving of his own time, not forced by the likes of you"

"That's cheap" Cassander snorted, "Coming from you; you also played a role in this"

Alexander chest suddenly seized up and his hand became limp against Cassander's shirt. He went into a spasm, a violent fit of coughing and spluttering, blood drooling from the corners of his mouth.

"Sweet Zeus!" Ptolemy exclaimed, glaring disbelieving at Alexander who fell lifelessly back against the pillows.

"He does that a lot" Cassander said off handily,

"You… you sit there and watch that!" Ptolemy sneered, his eyes widening " you're unbelievable…"

"No, I'm just impatient" Cassander mumbled, putting a wet towel to Alexander's freezing forehead.

" Cassander, come away from him" Ptolemy said forcibly, " Leave him be for a time, you shouldn't sit and watch this man die…. Its disturbing"

Cassander groaned, brushing a hand through his hair.

"Its hard to believe you cried afterwards…" Ptolemy said lowly, "Seemingly taking pity for your actions…"

Cassander was silent for a moment before shaking his head.

"No, Ptolemy. I was just so relieved"

He got up out of the chair, and walked towards the door.

"A minute alone please" Ptolemy said to Cassander softly, Cassander shrugged and walked out closing the door.

Ptolemy didn't want to get close, but he was close enough. He stood at the foot of his bed, his head bowed in silent prayer for a moment, touching Alexander's feet.

"I will…. Keep you in my fondest memories, My King" Ptolemy sniffed, suddenly reduced to tears, "…. In my memoirs you feature frequently… not a day in my life will you not be in my mind" He sobbed, and then without another word he went and closed the door, darkening the room much like Cassander's all ready blackened heart.

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