Thank You For Your Lovely Reviews.
Mara: Late? It was only on a day until you reviewed ;) Glad you liked it. Thank you for reviewing.
lvingphai: Glad you liked it. They haven't gone all the way yet before the last chapter but did other things to find relief just not that ;) Thanks for reviewing.
XZanayu: I'm happy it came across. Thank you for reviewing.
This chapter hasn't been beta'd yet so I apologise for any mistakes you might find. It will be replaced by the correct version later on.
I dedicate this chapter to Mara, who helped me with a certain scene taken from the movie.
Can't you see that you're smothering me,
Holding too tightly
Afraid to lose control
Cause everything that you thought I would be
Has fallen apart right in front of you.
- Numb by Linkin Park –
Chapter 22: Responsibilities
Alexander and Hephaistion only had a week to enjoy each other before a messenger came for Alexander ordering him to return to the palace immediately. He and Hephaistion took take their leave of Amyntar, who wished them well and together they rode of towards the palace. Once there they saw Ptolemy waiting for them. They dismounted handing the reigns to a stable boy, who lead both their horses towards the stables.
"Ptolemy?" asked Alexander curious as to why their friend was seemingly waiting for them, "What is going on?" Alexander stopped in front of Ptolemy, Hephaistion at his side.
"Alexander…" Ptolemy bowed slightly out of respect, "… I must warn you, both the King and Queen are rather upset." Alexander sighed, shoulders slightly tensing at the news.
"What now?" he snapped. Feeling a hand touch his shoulder he relaxed a little, though not fully. "Sorry…"
"I do not fully know. My guess the Queen is upset by the upcoming Marriage of your father." Started Ptolemy while Alexander simply stared at him, "…And I think your father has a problem with the Greeks…again…" Alexander said nothing simply stared through Ptolemy, who became slightly nervous, sharing a look with an equally worried Hephaistion.
"Alexander?" Hephaistion voice and light touch on his shoulder snapped Alexander back to the present.
"Hmmmm…" hummed Alexander, shaking his head at a worried looking Hephaistion before turning back to Ptolemy,
"They both requested your presence but I suggest you go and see your father first."
Alexander nodded, "Thank You Ptolemy." And he walked around his friends, climbing the stairs, followed closely by both Hephaistion and Ptolemy, who kept a close eye on him. Alexander however couldn't believe it was happening again, couldn't he get a moments rest, the one week he spent alone with Hephaistion was the best time of his life and even though he wished it could never end, he knew it would be so eventually.
Hephaistion in the meantime was worried about Alexander sanity, the happy carefree man he spent time with the week before seemed to have disappeared again and the walls had returned. The walls that took so much care and time to break down and had come up and soon as Ptolemy mentioned the King and Queen. He could only hope, Alexander's parents wouldn't demand too much of their son again.
Walking in the palace Alexander found out his father was waiting in the war room for him. When he reached said room, the guards opened the door and announced him. Alexander walked in and saw his father, all his generals, and all his own companions all looking over some kind of map. He approached his father, who turned towards him when he saw him, and kissed him on both cheeks.
"Father, what news?
Philip looked Alexander up and down frowning slightly detecting a change in the demeanour of his son. He saw Hephaistion unconsciously take a step closer and realised what happened, deciding not to comment as of yet he said, "Not good I'm afraid, see here…" Philip pointed to a map depicting Greece and Macedon. Alexander and his other two companions stepped closer.
"The Greeks refuse to acknowledge when they are conquered, in the last few months we have conquered this, this and these cities." Philip pointed to several greek cities on the map. "They have lost all major cities but one: 'Athens' but they are no match for my army. But still they refuse to acknowledge me as their king…" Philip hit his fist on the table making most men present jump at the force of it, "… They call me a barbarian! Well, I'll show them…"
Hephaistion watched Alexander closely, listening to Philip, and saw his eyes began to glisten at the prospect of battle. Alexander loved to fight and excelled on the battle field, this would be the ideal moment to prove himself that he's a worthy heir to the throne. Hephaistion looked back at the map as Philip continued,
"Some Greeks have formed a rebellion, mainly Thebans and Athenians, We might be outnumbered but they are no real threat to us…" explained Philip, "… They decided to fight in Thebes and we will meet them there this fall." Everyone nodded showing they agreed, " But beware they formed an alliance with the allied Greek states of the Sacred Band…." Everyone gasped at this revelation, expect Alexander who looked almost eager. "They are a highly superior race of soldiers, born and bred to fight. I myself spent some time amongst them when I was a young man and they are not to be taken lightly." He looked every man in the room in the eye seeing them nod. He stopped at Alexander, who straightened his back when the saw his father seizing him up.
"This time however I am not leaving my son as Regent in my name…" Everyone gasped, looking at Alexander who looked stone faced at his father, it was clear he wanted to protest because his fist were balled and trembling slightly, "…I'm appointing Antipater to this position…"
Antipater looked shocked for a moment before bowing, "My King…"
"The reason I'm doing this is because I will take Alexander with me…" all of sudden all of Alexander's anger left his body as he stared at his father, "… I appoint him commander of my left wing of my cavalry (1). He and his companions, who will accompany him…" All of Alexander's companions bowed, honoured to be a part of one of King Philip's campaigns "…will take on the Sacred band (2) and will be victorious." Philip slapped a heavy hand on Alexander's shoulder who bowed,
"It shall be done, My King."
Parmenion spoke up, "But Philip, they are boys yet. The Sacred band will be too much for them."
Philip simply waved him off, looking in the determent eyes of his son, "They have proven themselves against the Maedi, or have you forgotten old man?" laughed Philip,
Parmenion stood upright, "No My King, but…"
Philip interrupted, "Then it's settled. We march toward Thebes in the fall…" Everyone knew they were dismissed and all filed out, leaving father and son alone.
"I will not fail you father." Stated Alexander when everyone had left.
"Hmmm." Hummed Philip nodding taking a swing of his wine. "There is something different about you…" Alexander simply blinked not showing anything, "What is going on between you and Amyntar's boy…" Alexander stiffened slightly but said,
"Nothing father, he is my first companion, my best friend and loyal bodyguard…" Philip laughed,
"Don't be such a prude Alexander, I know there is more then you let on. There is nothing wrong with it, though I think your mother will be heartbroken when she finds out. I'm sure this does not fit her plans…" Philip laughed again when he saw a look of panic cross Alexander face before he could hide it.
"Do not worry, she will not hear it from me." Alexander sighed in relief, "I do hope you will come to my wedding in the spring boy. I know your harpy mother is bitter about it, but you are still my son and I hope to see you there…" Alexander stepped closer, kissing his father cheeks,
"I will be there…"
Philip nodded, "Good, now go. I'm sure your mother wishes to speak with you."
Alexander bowed and left. Closing the door behind him, he made his way towards his mother's chambers. Knocking, he quickly entered.
---------------
Alexander sighed for what seemed the hundredth time in a row, watching his mother pace around the room. Complaining about all kinds of things. He wished he were off somewhere else, riding on Bucephalus in green fields. Reading from the Illyiad with Hephaistion. Exploring the country. Just about everything but this. He snapped back to the present when his mother suddenly snapped,
"Pregnant so soon?" Alexander stood up, looking over his mother shoulder and saw his father get out of a carriage, helping, a now pregnant, Euridice. He stepped back leaning against a pillar as his mother kept talking,
"The little whore. He will marry her in the spring, during Dionysus festival. And when her first son is born her sweet uncle Attalas will convince Philip to name the boy his successor." Alexander frowned, realising this might all happen but somehow he couldn't quite convince himself to believe it just yet.
"With himself as regent. And you?" Olympia turned around pointing to Alexander who looked her in the eye, "You will be send on some impossible mission against some monstrous northern tribe to be mutilated, in one more meaningless battle."
Alexander knew what she was talking but decided to remain quiet, he did not wish to anger her further. "And I, no longer queen, will be put to death, with your sister and the remaining members of our family."
Alexander sighed shaking his head, "I wish, sometimes you could see the light mother. The truth is, he has taken nothing from you that can not belong without." Alexander was sick of his mother talking about this, they had been living like this for years and only now she starting to realise it,
Olympia pretended she did not hear Alexander and continued pacing, "The only way, is to strike. Announce your marriage to a Macedonian." Alexander turned around rubbing his face, not believing he was using the marriage card again. He lightly touched his chain and sighed closing his eyes.
"Now, get a child, of pure blood, you'll be one of them, not of mine. And he would have no choice but to make you king. There is still Kinani." Olympia waved her hands around. Alexander turned. "Euridice was perfect, if your father, that pig had not ravished her first..."
Alexander couldn't hear any more of it and got angry yelling. "Say nothing more of my father. Do you hear me? Say nothing."
Olympia looked shocked for a moment at her son's outburst but quickly recovered,
"You're right. Forgive me. A mother loves too much. Who shall I sing to sleep at night anymore?" Olympia sat down sighing, talking in a wishful tone,
" I wish... I wish we could spend more time together. Like we used to, when you were the sweetest boy."
Alexander kneeled in front of his mother, taking her hands in his, "There has never been time mother. Since I was a child, I've been groomed to be ever the best…"
Olympias sighed and smiled slightly, "Oh, my poor son. You're like Achilles, cursed by your greatness." Alexander laid his head on his mother lap,
"Take my strength." Alexander, hugging her as she caressed his hair, "You must never confuse your feelings with your duties, Alexander. A king must make public gestures for the common people."
Alexander stood back up, not liking where this way going and gave her a look,
"I know, but you'll be nineteen this summer and the girls already complain that you don't like them, you like Hephaistion more." Alexander whirled around hearing his beloved's name and he looked at her daring her to say something,
"I understand, it's natural for young men. But if you go to Asia, without leaving a successor you risk all!"
Alexander groaned slightly and said,
"Hephaistion loves me, as I am. Not who." Olympias heard the passion and love in Alexander voice when he spoke of Hephaistion and she turned jealous and angry not believing her plans were falling apart right in front of her.
"Loves? Loves! In the name of Dionysus understand how Philip thinks. For your own sake. Your life hangs in the balance. His spies are inside your closest… "
This was the last draw for Alexander, he couldn't stand the way he smothered him, holding too tightly on her dream of him becoming king, marrying a girl and getting an heir. He was sick of all her plans and scheming and he turned angry, snapping,
"Stop! I'm his only worthy son. You crazed woman. He'd never hurt me. Even if Euridice had a boy, he'd be twenty before he let him rule."
Olympias laughed mocking, "Yes, and you would be forty, old and wise like Parmenion. And Philip's young son will be twenty like you, now. But raised by him, his blood. He will never give you the throne now Alexander. Never!"
Alexander knew he was probably right, but he did not want to think about it now. All he could think about was getting out of that room. He yelled frustrated, smashing a vase on the floor. He turned around, slamming the door and leaving. He almost ran to his room trying to get away from his mother screaming to 'get back there'. When he reached his room, he slammed his doors open and started to pace up and down his room. Not noticing Hephaistion was watching his every move, chewing on his bottom lip.
Alexander groaned frustrated again, when he though about his mothers words and slammed a tray holding several goblets and a mug of wine on the floor screaming in frustration.
He trembled slightly looking at the floor stained with wine and he frowned. All of a sudden his legs refused to cooperate and sank to he floor his hands in his hair pulling on the strands. His shoulder began shaking in dry sobs.
He felt hands untangle his from his hair before he was crushed to a broad chest and strong arms holding him close. He sighed, immediately knowing who it was. He crushed Hephaistion closer to him, thankful he was there. When he placed a soft kiss on Hephaistion shoulder he was moved back a little by Hephaistion. Who looked him in the eye, caressing his face, seeing the demons disappear. Hephaistion bend down and kissed Alexander's lips before pulling him upright and leading him to the bed. Both laid down and held each other close. Again, Alexander felt his sanity return and relaxed, falling asleep.
(1) Alexander was indeed placed in command of the left wing of Philip's cavalry and had to fight against the Scared Band In Thebes, Greece. Alexander was 18 at this point. They left in September 338 BC. So this was not made up and did in fact happen.
(2) The Sacred Band of Thebes was an elite Greek troop of 150 pairs of pederastic lovers, formed by the Theban commander Gorgidas. The pairs consisted of the older heniochoi, charioteers, and the younger paraibatai, companions. Many named them "The Army of Lovers".
"For men of the same tribe or family little value one another when dangers press; but a band cemented by friendship grounded upon love is never to be broken, and invincible; since the lovers, ashamed to be base in sight of their beloved, and the beloved before their lovers, willingly rush into danger for the relief of one another." - Plutarch -