Title: "The Crowning of Alexander"
Author: BalianswordChapter: 3, "Unveiling the Plan"
A/N: Hello everyone. Sorry all of these updates are so slow. Between everything going on with school and so on it has been taking a little extra time to write chapters. Please forgive me. Here is chapter three though, and the unveiling of Olympias' plan to assassinate Philip. Queendel –we'll see how far Hephaestion will go.
H/N: Alexander was exiled and went to the palace of Molossia. Olympias also went with him after Philip divorced her on the charge of adultery. However, in this fiction, only Alexander went to Molossia. In real life, Philip gave the king of Molossia the hand of his daughter, so that peace could be kept between them. Alexander was then brought home by a man from Cornith named Demaratus. Arrian even writes that only after Philip's death was the exile against Olympias and Alexander really lifted. (Information was taken from "The Genius of Alexander the Great" by NGL Hammond –so if it isn't entirely accurate, don't blame me).
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Hephaestion sat writing in his journal, the faint light of the candle casting a shadow on his cheek where his hair fell across his face. Continuing to write, he didn't hear the door to his room open. Yet he heard it shut softly. Looking up he stared at the darkened room, waiting for someone to come closer. Yet there was a hesitation. Hephaestion put the pen down and slowly stood, shutting the journal. Then, emerging silently from the shadows, was Olympias. She wore the same white dress she'd been in earlier. In fact, the only thing that had changed about her was the snake around her neck and the glimmer in her eyes.
"Hephaestion," she said as she took a few steps closer. "I am glad that you are awake. I would have woken you otherwise."
He was not sure what to say to that. He wasn't even sure what she was doing here. Olympias did not seem to mind his silence though. Instead she came closer and took the snake from around her neck. The serpent shot its forked tongue out to taste the air. It then hung limp in her hands as she held it out for Hephaestion to take. She nodded and he carefully took it from her. The serpent curled around his wrist and rested its head on his upturned palm. Olympias on the other hand had taken the chair by his desk and was comfortably sitting on it.
"Be careful," she told him. "She is very poisonous."
Suddenly he didn't want the snake on him. Freezing, he looked down at the serpent. It was resting quietly on him but he wasn't going to move. Laughing, Olympias motioned for him to sit down. Hephaestion glanced down at the other chair, which was conveniently straight across from Olympias. He didn't want to risk moving but did so when the queen did nothing more than stare at him. Slowly he stepped to the side, and began to sit down even slower. When the snake began to move he stopped, halfway in a sitting position, and Olympias only laughed. When the snake stopped, Hephaestion slowly sat. Yet he kept his arms held out far away from his body. He tried to look up at Olympias, but his eyes kept wandering to the snake. He didn't even question if the serpent was poisonous or not, for if it belonged to Olympias, it likely was. She wouldn't lie about something that showed her power.
"You appear afraid," the Queen said as she reached out and took the snake from him. She grabbed the serpent, pulling it quickly away from Hephaestion, not at all afraid. The snake glided around her arm, holding onto her as if she were a tree branch, but didn't try to strike at her in the least. "You should fear people more than this snake, Hephaestion. They are the ones that will strike at any time. She will only strike to protect herself."
Again, Hephaestion was not sure what to sat. Instead he reached for his journal and took it off of the table. Olympias watched, eyes still glittering. She knew that he must keep secrets of his life with her son in that journal. Yet, even as interested as she was, she would never have read it. In the silence she leaned forward, placing a hand on the table, and let her lips upturn. Hephaestion looked to her, cerulean eyes slightly frightened, even though his physicality did not show it. Already he could sense that she wanted something from him, and that alone frightened him.
"Tell me, Hephaestion, do you love my son," she asked. He was taken aback by the question. She just continued to smile at him. Yet, he took in a breath and then nodded. The words came to him, unrehearsed, and Olympias knew that she could trust him with what she was going to say to him next.
"I love him," Hephaestion said, "in every way that a man can love. I love him as a prince, but above even that, I love him as Alexander."
"You have never loved him for his title," Olympias stated as she leaned back, petting the snake with her free hand. "There are many people around him that are snakes. They lie, slither around him waiting to strike, but you are different. You are no snake Hephaestion. You are a falcon, ready to protect him from the snakes, your talons always readied. I want to know, Hephaestion, what would you do to save Alexander's life in war?"
"Anything," he replied without hesitation.
"And in a silent war," she asked. She watched as Hephaestion began to think. He was not sure what to say. He would do whatever he had to do to save Alexander's life. Yet he was not sure what Olympias was asking him this for. He could see in her eyes that she was planning something. She'd been planning it for days, yet he'd never mentioned it to Alexander. Now he could see it clear as day and wondered what his answers had anything to do with her plans. He wondered what she planned for him, for he knew there must be something.
"I would do anything for Alexander," Hephaestion began, this time more hesitant. "Alexander, I love, so I would protect him with my life. But I must ask you with no disrespect, what is it that you want from me?"
Olympias smiled. It was the first time that Hephaestion had ever stood up to her, or anyone she knew of for the matter. As the falcon she saw him as he would sit back and listen instead of glide in and attack. This gave him a wonderful vantage. He knew things that no others in this palace did, including herself, because of his elusiveness, and because of the way that he'd rather stand back and watch things instead of partaking in them. Realizing that he was perfect to help her carry out her plan she decided to answer him.
"Philip," she began, "never wanted Alexander. He still does not want him, unless he is in the eye of the public. Alexander is like a jewel to him. He only makes Philip look better. Otherwise, he would do as he did tonight, exile Alexander and disown him. I'm sure that you know this. Be honest, your words will never be heard by another."
"I've suspected it, yes."
"Good. Then you are perhaps already wiser than Alexander. But after tonight I believe he too will begin to understand the ways of Philip. Eurydice," she hissed the name with disapproval, "is just another one of Philip's games. Or at least he thinks so. Yet he is wrapped around Attalus' finger, doing exactly what the old man wants. He will marry her, then name their son the heir to the throne. Would you agree with that, Hephaestion?"
"He very well may."
"You know what he will do to Alexander," she whispered as she brought her chair even closer to him. "It is never good to have two heirs to a throne. Attalus will tell Philip that Alexander will kill Eurydice's child so that he would one day become the heir once more. It would be untrue, but that is what Attalus would say. So Philip will listen to him. He will send Alexander to fight the Illyrians, or perhaps another rebellious tribe, and will hope that Alexander does not return. It will likely be an impossible mission, with too few me, and only Alexander who is just as untrained to lead them. Then, to make sure that nothing comes between the crown and his family, Attalus will assure Philip that I too would rise against him. So he will send me to exile and then kill me."
"You don't know of the things you speak. Forgive me, I do not speak against you."
"I wouldn't expect you to. But you know that this is the future, Hephaestion, just as I know it. You can be as Alexander and try to hide your eyes from it. But one day, even his eyes will open to a blinding truth. By then it may be too late though."
"What is it that you want?"
"Alexander must be assured the throne. I am willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that he gets it. And you, my falcon, are very much the same. You love Alexander as I do, and would let no harm come to him. Eurydice's unborn child is a threat. Attalus is a threat. Philip is the biggest threat of all though. Hephaestion, we must eliminate the threats."
"You are insane," Hephaestion said before he could stop himself. He immediately looked down at the ground. Shaking his head he looked back up. Olympias was not mad, as he had expected her to be. Instead, she seemed only happier, nodding as she stood.
"Perhaps I am. But you know that it must be done Hephaestion. I have a friend who was wronged by Philip. He is named Pausanias. Maybe you have heard of him."
"Only rumors," Hephaestion told her.
"Then you know the rumors to be true. He was once one of Philip's many male companions. He took him for a great while until one day he threw him out. Not even I am sure what came between them. Yet, I know that Pausanias is very pained and holds a grudge against Philip. As you can see, I don't need you to do much Hephaestion. Carry a few letters out of my rooms for me, perhaps some other minor things. But you will not be doing anything that would even give you suspicion if Philip or his men were to suspect our plans."
"Our plans?"
"Yes," she said with an evil smile. "You are as much a part of this as me. You and I are both looking out for Alexander. We must do what is needed."
"Kill Philip," Hephaestion asked as he finally rose. He walked away from her as she tried to approach. He shook his head and began to pace. As he did Olympias only sat down. "I will not be part of this. If I were wise I would go to Philip now and tell him what you plan."
"But you won't. For if you do, then you know what will happen to Alexander. There is no reason to worry. My plans are more elaborate than you can imagine. Macedonians are not the only ones eager to see Philip removed from the throne."
"My queen, you cannot plan to assassinate your husband. No, you can, but it isn't the way to deal with any problem. Do you know how much Alexander will hate you when he finds out that you killed his father?"
"He'll hate you too then. Which is why we are not going to tell him."
"Stop saying we," Hephaestion ordered. "I understand the dilemma with Eurydice. Believe me, I worry for Alexander. But killing Philip will never get anyone anywhere. Do you understand what you are doing?"
"Hephaestion," she said as she stepped forward and grabbed him by a shoulder. "Listen to me. If you want to help Alexander, you must do as I ask of you. If not, he will die at the hand of some barbaric tribe. Perhaps even you too will die. You owe nothing to Philip, Hephaestion, nothing. Do as I ask, the simple task of taking a letter here and there, and soon Alexander will get what he deserves. I assure you that you have nothing to worry about."
Olympias leaned forward and kissed his cheek before leaving. Hephaestion crossed his arms and watched her go. He cursed, glancing over at the folded piece of parchment sitting on the table. Olympias stopped at the door, knowing that he would have to accept her friendship, and smiled. Then, calling back, she told him where to take the letter. With that she was gone. The cerulean eyed man then looked back at the folded parchment. He grabbed the letter and opened it, tearing the red seal Olympias had sealed it with, and began to read. Sighing, Hephaestion read a short paragraph about when Philip would be his weakest. The date was about a week from now. Hephaestion then refolded the letter. Glancing around the room first he then opened a drawer of his desk. He pulled out a few sets of paper, but then took out a red wax seal. He let the wax reseal the letter and then put the items back. Hephaestion set the letter down on the table and then crawled onto his bed. Blowing out the candles, he then closed his eyes, and hoped that sleep would claim him. It didn't though. All he could think of was Alexander, and what would happen to him if he didn't receive the throne.
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It was early as he walked out onto the veranda. He stared out at the beauty of the land for a moment. Yet he finally sighed and glanced over at the one beside him. He reached down and pulled a folded piece of parchment from his side. Without looking at the other, he held the letter out, and a hand grasped it. The other took the letter and immediately tore it open. Hephaestion glanced over at her as she read the parchment. He already knew what the words were though. In one day he felt as if he'd betray everything that ever meant anything to him. Staring out at a bird in the sky he knew that Alexander would hate him if he ever knew that he had anything to do with this plan. After a moment Olympias folded the letter and looked back at him.
"You are wise to read it and then reseal it," she told him. Hephaestion turned to look at her, his cerulean eyes captivating with fear in them. She only laughed lightly and shook her head. "I would have let you read it if you would have asked. I only thought it would be better for you not to know."
"At a celebration for Cleopatra's wedding, and a celebration for the gods," Hephaestion finally burst out. He stared at Olympias, wondering how she could be so cruel.
"You understand why though. It is a perfect opportunity. No one will suspect the rest of us. It will only be Pausanias the guards will suspect. The only thing to do now is have you go and retrieve Alexander. You should get going if you plan to reach him by nightfall. I think a night alone for the two of you would relax you. You are so tense."
"Perhaps I am tense because of this," he said venomously.
"Again, only Pausanias will receive punishment. Perhaps those that he has convinced to hold a horse for him. Hephaestion, we are protecting Alexander. Even if one day he finds out what you have done do you think he would blame you?"
"What did you tell Pausanias, I wonder. You assured him that he would have time to get out! There will be hundreds of royal guard Olympias. He will never get out. Even if Philip enters by himself, and Pausanias happens to get out of the arena, he still will be hunted down and slaughtered."
"Why do you care for Pausanias?"
"I just think you should not have lied to him."
"Hephaestion," she said as she reached over and grabbed him by both shoulders. She turned him to face her, and then took a hand and rested it on his cheek. "Just go and get Alexander."
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As he rode he wondered about the things he'd done in the last day. Olympias had lied in telling him that he'd not have to do much. Since Philip had moved up the day of the games to be held in his honor they needed to act fast. He'd gone to even Pausanias and presented him with Olympias' orders. In a way, he knew that it was best that Pausanias be hunted down and killed. If he were dead he'd never be able to identify him as one that was aligned in this plot. Philip would be killed in two days time, and he would have everything to do with it. He may not be the one stabbing him, but he knew, and that was enough to incriminate him.
Olympias' power still surprised him. She had not only convinced Pausanias to help her assassinate her husband, but had made a deal with Darius III of Persia himself. He promised to protect Pausanias if he made it to his lands. But even the Persian king knew that he would not. Darius really only wanted to make sure that Philip would not be able to attack him for some time. Olympias failed to send word to him that Alexander would some day wish to conquer Persia, and she would not stop him.
He rode until he reached the palace of Molossia, where Alexander was staying. As soon as he approached a boy came and took his horse from him. Hephaestion entered the palace, knowing that it was beautiful, but would never compare to the palace of Pella. Stopping briefly as he entered, he saw Alexander coming down the hall. Alexander threw his arms around him in a hug and Hephaestion held him back. Yet he still could not help but think that he'd done something so wrong. He was helping destroy Alexander's father, but was holding him at the same time.
"Come," Alexander said as he took Hephaestion's hand and led him down the hall. They soon approached his rooms. Alexander entered, dragging Hephaestion eagerly with him. When the door was shut Alexander immediately brought his lips to Hephaestion's. Hephaestion let Alexander kiss him, let him part his lips with his tongue and delve into the vastness of his mouth. It was rather apparent that Alexander had missed him. He couldn't keep his hands away, grabbing Hephaestion's neck to hold him closer, the other gripping Hephaestion's thigh tightly. When finally the kiss broke Hephaestion was gasping for breath, but Alexander acted as if nothing has happened, his breathing was still completely normal. "I missed you, more than you can know."
"I missed you as well," Hephaestion said as he brushed some hair away from Alexander's face. Alexander smiled, throwing his arms around him again. He then pulled him further into the room, still smiling, but as he turned back and looked at Hephaestion he noticed that something was different about him. He seemed to frown, inwardly, even if his lips were straight in appearance.
"What is wrong," Alexander asked him, putting a hand on his cheek. Hephaestion looked down, and when he looked back up there were glossy tears in his eyes. Alexander wrapped his arms around him and held him. He then whispered into his ear once more. "What is it that troubles you my love?"
"Alexander," Hephaestion whispered back as he reached over the other's shoulder to wipe tears from his eyes. He would have stepped back but couldn't. He liked having Alexander so near to him, when he hadn't been for days. "You know that I love you more than anything. You know that, right?"
"Of course Hephaestion. Tell me, why do you cry?"
"I just missed you," Hephaestion lied as he pulled away and wiped the tears from his eyes. He then shook his head and tried to laugh, passing the incident off as just missing Alexander. Alexander seemed to believe it. He laughed too and helped wipe the tears away from Hephaestion's cheeks. He then kissed him lightly, tenderly, showing him that he'd missed him too. "I'm sorry."
"You are so dear to me Hephaestion," Alexander said as he drew him to the bed. He lay down next to him, resting his head against Hephaestion's back as he held him possessively around the waist. Hephaestion let out a breath of air he'd been holding and Alexander felt him relax beneath his grasp. "Just rest. Tomorrow when we return to Pella, there is something that I need to tell you, something I need to show you."
Hephaestion closed his eyes as Alexander pushed himself onto an elbow to look at him. The prince then blew out the candle. As the dark surrounded them both Hephaestion opened his eyes. He needed to tell something to Alexander as well. Yet, he knew that he never could. It was the only secret that he would ever be able to keep from Alexander. It was that secret that he feared would tear them apart. Especially when Philip would fall, and Hephaestion would feel guilt, and he'd end up telling Alexander. Then he may never be this close to Alexander again.