Thank You For Your Lovely Reviews.

Mara: Oh thanks, I was kinda worried about it .You are and I love ya for it ;) Thank you for reviewing sweety!

Stace: Wow, you read the whole thing in one go OO I'm shocked, delighting and oh so honoured you made me blush. I've written several other yes, Three one-shots named 'Friends', 'When I see You Smile' and 'Lost' and Two other stories: 'Ancient Love' and ' Eyes That see Into Infinity'. They can all be found here at Thanks for your review.

Ranni: Yeah I never really liked Bagoas either that's why he can never be found in my stories as of yet. Glad you are liking the story. Thank you for reviewing.

Sorry that it took so long to update but I've been rather busy lately.

I dedicate this chapter to Mara, who, long ago, helped me with a certain scene taken from the movie.

But it's like no matter what I do,

I can't convince you, to just believe this is real.
So I let go, watching you, turn your back like you always do.
Face away and pretend that I'm not,
But I'll be here 'cause you're all that I've got

- Faint by Linkin Park -

Chapter 26: Philip's Wedding.

After spending the afternoon and night with Hephaistion Alexander felt more at ease, more himself.

In those months away from Macedon and his beloved, Alexander had to attended endless discussions and parties in his honour. But in the end, he triumphed and succeeded in his mission and returned home and told his father the good news.

His father was very happy and proud. But Alexander's happiness was soon shadowed but the news of what happened is his absence. Even though he saw it coming, Alexander was still shocked when he heard Euridice (1) have birth to a girl (2). It saddened him but he was became very afraid when his father told him his mother would stay Queen but not chief Queen, Euridice had that position now. This meant, his chance of ever becoming king was very small indeed. Also Attalas was made regent now and had great influence over Philip. Alexander again, got a new command in Philip's campaign and was to fight against some tribe in the north. Everything his mother told him was coming true and it chilled him to the bone.

Instead of visiting his mother after his meeting, he decided to offer to Zeus, in the great temple erected in the god's honour. This is where Hephaistion found him. When he once again saw those eyes, after six months, his chest constricted and he had difficulty to breath. He confessed his love over and over again. All of a sudden he had to feel as much of Hephaistion as he could and together they rode of to a remote garden and made love.

Afterwards they held each other closely. When they woke Alexander confessed his fears to Hephaistion. Hephaistion, who knew about everything that happened, tried to comfort him as much as he could. When he felt Alexander calm down, he knew his beloved would not do anything rash.

Olympias however, he was more afraid of. He had seen her eyes when Philip announced his daughter's birth and it scared him. He knew Alexander was too much in love with glory for him to steal it. But his mother would do anything to ensure her son's future and put him on the throne.

Within the week, due to Alexander's return, Philip decided to marry Euridice. It was spring and the wedding took place in the courtyard, under a already hot sun. Many emissaries, royalty, and nobles were present. Also, most of Philip's most loyal generals and royal guards were invited. And since Alexander was present, his companions were invited as well, to keep him company.

The party however took place in the throne room, which was the biggest room in the palace and could house many people at the same time. The room was beautifully decorated. The pillars were all draped in red and golden cloths, decorated with grapevines. Every cup was silver, as were the plates the food was presented on. The wine flowed free all evening and there was never a shortage of food. It was very hot and due to the heat and wine, many were sweating, giving their skin a shiny sheen. Many of the guest wore sleeveless chiton's and wore ivy or wine leaves on their heads. They were eating, drinking and dancing with the many pleasure girls and boys present.

Alexander, who wore a black chiton and a white garment, pinned with the royal crest over his shoulder, however sat very still, only sipping his wine now and then. He observed his friends and father, shaking his head now and then. All of them, including Hephaistion, who wore a white sleeveless chiton, seem to be having a wonderful time. Though, he knew Hephaistion did it to keep up appearances and not draw attention to himself and Alexander. At regular intervals, Hephaistion would sit down on the same couch with him, sipping his wine carefully and giving him a encouraging smile now and then. It warmed his heart but still an uneasy feeling has settled in his gut. A feeling he could not explain. He saw Ptolemy, also dressed in wine, hair covered in ivy, coming over, he bowed down to eyelevel, raising his cup of wine.

" Ah, come Alexander, drink this sadness away." Tried Ptolemy and Alexander have him a forced smile,

"If only thirst could quench this sorrow, Ptolemy." Ptolemy was about to say something else but left when he saw the King coming over, his arms draped around Euridice on one end and Pausinias on the other.

"Ah! There's only one thing better than winning a battle, son. And that's the taste of a new woman." Alexander watched his father kiss Euridice right in front of him and he crinkled his nose in disgust, " You'd find it far sweeter than self pity." Said Philip, getting tired if his son's melancholy mood. The turned around, pushing Pausinias away, "Pausinias you bore me."

His father only just turned his back, as Cleitus, Philip's favourite soldier, came closer, a girl thrown over his soldier.

"Alexander! Alexander, I found you the right girl. What's your name darling?" bellowed Cleitus loudly, Alexander rolled his eyes and shared a look with Hephaistion, who looked amused.

The girl giggled and said, "Antigony."

Cleitus put her down, asking her name again, since he did not catch it the first time, "What's your name?"

The girl giggled again, "Antigony." And quickly scampered of with her girlfriends.

Cleitus laughed getting in Alexander's face," Huh?" motioning to the girl, when Alexander said nothing he grabbed his face, " I love you, my little imp." and kissed Alexander, who pulled away with a polite smile saying, "And I love you, Cleitus." Cleitus having caught the look of both Alexander and Hephaistion laughed and fell down in Hephaistion's lap. Hephaistion, still miffed about the kiss, muttered irritated,

"Would you prefer a seat Cleitus?" Cleitus merely laughed again, settling down muttering,

"I'll sleep in my grave, Hephaistion."

Alexander tuned out the rest as he saw his father drag Pausinias of to a dark corner. Then, joined by Attalas, and some others, they humiliated the boy by calling him names and hitting his bare behind. Alexander knew Pausinias held great love for his father and knew he would be severely humiliated by this. He watched as his father dismissed him and Pausinias was dragged away by several eager men. He hoped his father just didn't make the biggest mistakes of his live. There's nothing worse then a lover's scorn.

Alexander sipped his wine again and watched his father return to his throne. All of sudden Attalas stood upright, his cup raised in the air.

"A toast! A toast! I drink to our great friends! And to our new union. Macedonia and Greece! Equals in greatness!"

Alexander watched Attalas carefully, as he made his toast, his eyes never wavering. He felt Hephaistion move closer to his side as he too saw the took Attalas gave Alexander. The crowd cheered and Attalas continued.

"And to Philip, our King! Without whom this union could not have been possible." Alexander bit his lip, trying to control himself. Everyone present knew he succeed in bringing Greece and Macedon together. He sipped his wine again and he saw his father sit down on his throne.

"Come Attalas, leave some damn air in he hole" muttered Philip and the guests, including Attalas laughed. Attalas' smile soon turned cruel as he continued, staring at Alexander.

"And last… I drink to the Kings marriage to my niece, Euridice." Attalas hit his chest in pride, "… a Macedonian Queen we can be proud of!"

Alexander shared a look with Hephaistion, feeling the stares of several of his companions on him, all moving closer. He tried to ignore the insult directed towards his mother as the crowed clapped and cheered "Long live the King!"

Attalas however did not know when to stop and continued, "To Philip and Euridice and to their legitimate sons!"

The crows cheered a again but this time Alexander did not let this lie and reared upright, throwing his cup strait and at Attalas, hitting his stomach.

"Attalas! You son of a dog! What am I then!"

Attalas now angry as well, throws his cup in return, narrowly missing Hephaistion and Alexander, both moving in time. But hitting Cleitus instead who reared upright as well. Alexander, Hephaistion and several other companions had enough and stormed towards Attalas. Alexander however was quickly held back by Ptolemy and Nearchus. But Hephaistion made it to Attalas hitting him in the jaw before he was held back as well and returned to Alexander side, standing close by.

Philip stood upright, insulted, seeing his guests shake their heads in disgust.

"Cut it out! Stop all of you." Shouted Philip, swaying, "This is my wedding not some public brawl" Then he turned to Alexander, "Apologize by Zeus, before you dishonour me."

Alexander looked shocked, yelling at his father, "You defend the man who called my mother a whore and me a bastard? And I dishonour you!"

Philip dismissed him with a wave. "Pah, you listen like your mother!" then he motioned to Attalas, who looked smug, "Attalas is my family now, the same as you!"

Alexander looked insulted, eyes switching between his father and Attalas, "Then choose your relatives more carefully! Don't expect me to sit here and watch you shame yourself."

Philip looked insulted, "Shame?"

Attalas turned angry again yelling at Alexander "You insult me!"

Alexander took a step closer bellowing, "I insult you? A man not fit to lick the ground my mother walks on!"

Philip, still swaying, repeated, "Shame?"

Alexander however ignored him for a second, "You dog! Questioning your queen!" Alexander almost spat the words.

Philip raged on, getting louder and louder as Alexander's words sank in, "Shame! I have nothing to be ashamed of, you arrogant brat!" Alexander turned away from Attalas towards his father, trembling slightly,

"I'll marry the girl if I want, and I'll have as many sons as I want, and there's nothing you or your harpy mother can do about that!"

"Why?" questioned Alexander, getting tired of the same old routine, "You drunken man, must you think that everything I do and say comes from my mother?"

Philip looked outraged, getting red in the face. The whole room was silent as he spoke, making the words echo around the room.

" Because I know her heart, by Hera! And I see her in your eyes!" Philip pointed strait at Alexander, making the whole room turn towards him and he swallowed. " You come after the throne too much. Now we all know that, that mother of yours wants me dead! Well you can both dream boy!"

Ended Philip in a shout, straitening his back.

All of a sudden, Parmenion, Philotas' father and general in Philip's army, spoke up, trying to reason with him.

"Come Philip, this is the wine talking! Leave the boy and wait till morning."

"No!" yelled Philip stubbornly, and turned back towards Alexander, " I command you… apologize to your kinsmen."

Alexander looked between his father and Attalas, who looked smug and swallowed hard. Hephaistion knew Alexander would never apologise, he was too proud for that and he stepped closer as Philip once again ordered,

"Apologize!"

Alexander seemed to think about it, and nervously he uttered, "No kinsman to me." Alexander turned, casting a glance at his father, "Good night, old man. And when my mother remarries. I'll invite you to her wedding." Alexander slowly walked off, feeling his companions follow.

Philip turned angry and the audacity his son was showing in public. "You bastard!"

Alexander stopped and turns back around to face his father. Hephaistion saw the look on his face and thought Alexander looked very young at that precise moment. He knew Alexander loved his father very much and his words were hurting him a great deal.

"You'll obey me! Come here!"

Hephaistion watched the conflict in Alexander's eyes but knew his beloved's decision before he even made it. Alexander seemed to want to say something but changed his mind and walked back off.

Philip, enraged, steps of his throne, grabbing his sword and going after his son. He was only able to take a few steps before falling down, yelling loudly. "Argh! "

Alexander turned again at the commotion and saw his father on the floor, fending of several people trying to help him back up. Alexander shook his head, embarrassed,

"And this is the man who is going to take you from Greece to Persia? He can't even make it from the one couch to the next!"

Alexander turned again, hearing his father shout,

"Get out of my palace!" Alexander stopped for a second, composing himself, before leaving the throne room, followed by his companions. His father's voice echoed through the corridors as they heard him yell, "Banished from the land you are not welcome here! You're no son of mine."

Alexander and his companions, quickly made it to stables, before the guards could be ordered to arrest them. Nearing the stable, they saw Queen Olympias waiting for them.

"Mother?" asked Alexander nearing his mother,

"I heard what happened. We must leave and we must leave quickly. We shall go to 'Epirus' (3) where you're uncle, my brother and your namesake is King. We shall be safe there." Explained Olympias and mounted a horse.

Alexander nodded in understanding and turned towards his companions,

"You should not have followed me. Because of me you are all banished as well." (4)

Ptolemy stepped forwards, "We swore loyalty to you Alexander and will follow you wherever you go."

Alexander smiled relieved and grateful and said, "I thank you but I cannot ask you to follow me all the way to Epirus, it is a long ride" he held up his hand when he saw they were about to protest, "Go visit your families, I am sure they miss you and you them. So go, I will sent for you when I need you."

They all seem to consider it for moment before nodding and mounting their own horses. Alexander watched them all ride of with a sad smile. He turned toward his own horse but bumped into Hephaistion instead.

"Hephaistion, why are you still here?"

"I am not leaving you." Stated Hephaistion stubbornly, crossing his arms.

"What about your father, I bet he would love to see you." Muttered Alexander, secretly wanting Hephaistion to stay anyway.

"He doesn't need me, you do." Replied Hephaistion and held up his hand, to stale of any upcoming protest, "I will follow you, whether you want me to or not."

They heard a loud sigh and a voice saying,

"Let the boy come Alexander. By Zeus, will you hurry before your father orders the Royal guard to retrieve us!"

Not believing his ears but extremely happy, Alexander hugged Hephaistion close before they both mounted their horse and riding off. They did not know how long they would be banished and what hardships they will endure but as long as they had each, they were sure they would survive.

(1) Euridice's real name was Cleopatra. Seeing as Alexander's sister has the same name and I don't wish to confuse anyone I changed the name to Euridice like everyone else does.

(2) Euridice first have birth to a girl: Europa en then a boy who became Philip's successor, so this was not made up.

(3) Epirus, was the country Olympias was born and raised. Epirus was not part of Macedon and Philip had no authority over it.

Olympias' younger brother, also named Alexander, was King of Epirus at the time. He was a little older then Alexander and was already king at a very young age. It is said he was supported by Philip when he first ascended the throne and helped him through a difficult time. He also married Alexander's younger sister Cleopatra the same day Philip died. But this hasn't happened yet so take no notice of it.

(4) It is said most of Alexander's companion's were banished as well because they stood by him during the brawl and followed him after. Philip also knew it would hurt Alexander a great deal if his friends were punished because of his actions. I think Philotas was left out because his father (Parmenion) was a general in Philip's army. You might think, what about Cassander then but I can't really say for sure so I won't. I also read Hephaistion was not banished but simply followed Alexander and stayed with him during that time. The other companions, did visit their homes and families but went looking for Alexander went they heard he left Epirus with Hephaistion. They joined the two of them, until they were recalled to Pella.