Title: By my side (21 of 25)
Author: Adsagsona
Type: Romance
Rating: PG – PG 13
Disclaimer: Nothing about the movieverse Alexander belongs to me, I don't own a thing, sadly enough. I believe the real Alexander the Great and his companions belong to history and themselves.
Warnings: None.
Beta: None.
Pairing: Alexander/Hephaestion
Archive: Right here.
Author's Note: It is a slight AU from the Alexander movie verse. Hephaestion is not the son of Lord Amyntor, but a slave.
Spoilers: For 'Alexander'
Summary: At a young age, a slave gets captured by the soldiers of Philip. Alexander needs someone to wrestle with, because his friends always let him win. Too stubborn for his own good, the slave causes problems.
By my side – Chapter 21
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They crossed the creek which divided the land in two. There the personal guard of the King awaited them and found nine young men on their way home. Some found them brats whom had nothing better to do with their time than to dwell across the mountains, so that they, soldiers who had other occupations, had to search for them.
However, the Prince Alexander could command them and so they rode in silence behind the bunch of friends. Why they rode in formations like true soldiers, they couldn't guess. Another one of their games?
Alexander had insisted that Hephaestion rode side by side with him, but the other had declined the invitation in his usual soft voice. Although he had made his decision to stand by his Prince and lover, he would not step into the light which required him to become one of his companions. He was satisfied with the secret life he led now, deep in the household of the palace at Pella.
"You will serve no more, Hephaestion. You are free to go where you please. Become a soldier or a farmer."
"There would be no purpose in it, my Prince."
"You are the most stubborn man I know… How can you throw this gift away?"
He had bowed deeply before taking the hand of Alexander and laying it over his chest, where his heart beat calmly under the palm.
"I accept it with all of my heart, my Prince, but my heart has chosen for itself. I will go wherever you may lead me."
The love he saw in the eyes of Alexander was reward enough for his boldness of before. The embrace that followed was one of tenderness and understanding, but still Alexander insisted he become a soldier then. Because he would be of no purpose if he could not fight on campaigns.
When they reached the gates of Pella and dismounted, they got little time to adjust to the comfort of the cool buildings, lavish baths and servants. A page came to collect both Alexander and Hephaestion, out of Philips bidding… but for Hephaestion he had other plans. He needed to go to Olympias.
"You must be mistaken." Hephaestion took a shuddering breath as he remembered the Queen from the far view he had gotten years back. A slender, dark haired woman, with eyes like black fire.
The page looked insulted.
"I am never mistaken, my lord. You are to go to our Queen."
Alexander accepted in his stead and pulled the shaken Hephaestion to him. The young man seemed to calm down a little, but was trembling and accepted the Princes embrace.
"I don't know what she wants from me, Alexander… I am nothing to her."
"Her son loves you. She knows this. She will not hurt you."
He looked up into the light eyes of his companion and nodded. He needed to be strong, not only for Alexander but also for himself. There would be change in his life, more than a little, and he would comply to all of it. Resigning himself to do so, he made himself lose out of Alexanders arms and pressed a kiss upon his mouth.
"You must go as well."
Alexander sighed heavily and nodded. He must go and seek out his father and apologise. He loathed it from the depths of his heart to wound his own pride, but he would. Out of selfish reasons, he had to admit.
Both young men turned the other way when they went out the door. Hephaestion went with uncertain strides towards the quarters of the former High Queen, while Alexander made his way to Philip.
On the knock on the door, she looked up quickly.
"Enter."
A young man entered the room, his seablue eyes uncertain as they shifted around the room. Although he had been a servant for years, this boys posture was one of pride and stubborness. Born to be a warrior, born to lead even. He rested his hands by his sides before giving a bow.
"My Queen."
"So, you are Hephaestion. Come closer."
She had lounged herself on the far end of the room, so that he had to walk quite a few steps. His legs seemed to tremble, but he masked it well. She stood up from her reclining position, forcing him to kneel. Of higher position, he could not afford to stand higher than her.
"What does my son see in you, Hephaestion?"
The young man did not answer, fearing that this might be the wrong one.
"Do you not know yourself? I would have hoped it was a mere infatuation, but he made it quite clear that he loves you. The both of you are too young to understand it and yet, even though he promised you freedom, you stay with him."
He dared to look up and fought with his own demons. Honesty shone through in his eyes when he finally produced an answer.
"I would follow him to the end of the world, my Queen."
She looked at him, placing a finger under his chin to make him look up at her. A strange smiled played about her lips.
"Despite of his promises, he will not love you forever. He is a Prince, a future King who needs to be married, have heirs. His dream will carry you further from him than you can imagine."
How did she know these things? While tears brimmed in his eyes, his voice stayed steady and he gazed at her without blinking.
"Even if he can not, I will. I share his dream, my Queen, I made it my own from the moment we left Pella."
As she dismissed the young man, she knew that Alexander would have a trustworthy person by his side for the rest of his life.
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Nelia: Cassander will appear more in my sequel. Yush, I am writing one!
Xzanayu: That is still another chapter away, luv.
Queendel: Yes, Hephaestion has grown up beautifully.
Lexy: I am writing a second one-shot, called 'Crown of Jewels'.