Title: Royal Slave

Author: Adsagsona

Type: Romance/Drama

Rating: R

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: Character death!

Beta: None.

Pairing: Alexander/Hephaestion

Archive: Right here.

Author's Note: This is a sequel to the story 'By my side'. AU, Hephaestion has come to Philips court as a slave, but found a place as the loyal companion of Alexander.

Summary: Alexanders army stumbles upon the land of Lord Amyntor. Suddenly Hephaestion reacts strangely and reveals something about himself which had not been forseen.

Royal Slave – Chapter 21

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It had taken him a long time before he was able to decide wether to tell Alexander or not. He had gotten on the bad end of things already one time during the past few days and frankly, he did not want that to happen a second time. No, Cassander did not struggle with his conscience. The young man always thought he did not posess one, it was supposed to be a trait of royalty. He had wondered at times if perhaps Alexander was different, but when it came to it, the King did just the same as any other. Many already thought of him as a God, Cassander knew better.

But could he leave him without the knowledge that Hephaestion had taken the place of his father and would now rule over this territory? Should he give the message of the young man to his King? It would be the right thing to do and Alexander would find out sooner or later. He had already been at fault with not sending that messenger when he had found Hephaestion. It was better to save his skin this time.

With a heavy sigh he set out towards the tent of Alexander.

In the mean time the young King had struggled him self from sleep. It had been a few nights since he had gotten a few decent hours of sleep, but now that Hephaestion was with him again, he didn't have anything to worry about. That was when his hand stretched out towards the bedding beside him. He patted it a few times but didn't find anything but air.

"Hephaestion?"

There came no answer. Alexander lifted his head and opened his eyes, but still there was no General in sight. Wondering if he might have gone for something to eat, Alexander sighed and let himself fall back onto the small pillow. Hephaestion hadn't said much the night before and the young King had worried. His companion seemed to have difficulties with coping about the death of his father and he could understand. It was just like Hephaestion to not tell him a thing though and go about his business like usual.

"Alexander?"

He turned around slightly and found Cassander in the opening of the tent. He gave a small smile and gestured him to enter, sitting up in the bed.

"I'm sorry I'm not dressed yet."

Cassander immediately held his hand up and shook his head.

"The past few days have been tiresome for everyone. I need to tell you something, Alexander, and I think that it is quite urgent. I have a message for you from Hephaestion."

The young King frowned and focused his attention solely on the young man before him. He stepped out of bed and quickly pulled on one of the tunics that his pages had brought for him the night before. Gesturing for Cassander to take seat in one of the field chairs, who could be easily folded out, he stepped into his sandals and took place opposite of him.

"A message from Hephaestion? I thought he was just in the camp and…"

"No, he isn't. Not anymore. Can't you guess where he has gone?"

It took him mere seconds.

"To the fort?"

Cassander nodded.

"I caught him while he snuck out, Alexander, but I did not have the heart to hold him from his destiny. He truly believes that he has to follow in his fathers footsteps. I had to tell you that his army will always be ready for you and that you have his allegiance."

Alexander grumbled and laid his head on his hand. That was not what he wanted from Hephaestion, not in the slightest. What did he have with his 'allegiance'? Just the ghost of a man he loved. Slowly but surely questions about Hephaestions love for him began to rise. He thanked Cassander.

"I need to talk to him."

"Should you? I'm sorry I'm saying this, Alexander, but he is old enough to know what he wants. I don't think it's up to you to think for him." Silently he thought it good that Hephaestion was making up his own mind. Perhaps the young General was making changes in his preferences. Cassander could barely hide the small smile which curled about the corners of his lips.

That soon changed however when Alexander grabbed him by the shoulders.

"I am his King and he will obey me… as should you." He hissed as Cassander slightly closed his eyes at the proximity of Alexander. "I know that you have been talking behind my back, all of the Generals are. Do not think that I choose Hephaestion over my people, Cassander, because you will be sorry."

With that he was out of the tent and left a stunned Cassander behind. The General had not thought that his King knew about it, but it seemed like he had eyes and ears everywhere. He just wondered who the spy was. They had always thought it was Hephaestion, but the young man wasn't here now and still… he wandered off, deep in thoughts.

Alexander walked all the way towards the fort, furious, the rage which made his family so famous boiling in his veins. He understood what it would have been like for Achilles, when he so suddenly lost his lover. Hephaestion might have still been alive, but he was the furthest from the young King since he had ever remembered. He got stopped at the gates by the guards.

"What is the meaning of this?"

"My King… I am sorry, we did not recognise you. Our Lord Hephaestion has asked that we did not let anyone through."

"You will let me through." He threatened before indeed being allowed inside the hall of the fortress. That is where he found Hephaestion, sitting upon one of the higher chairs, although not the one of the Lord of the land.

"Hephaestion."

The young man turned around and gasped, but said nothing for the moment. He lowered his head in greeting, before looking back towards Alexander. He knew that this meeting would come, although not so soon.

"My King, what is the reason of your visit?"

"Don't you dare give me that!" Alexander hissed under his breath as he stood a few feet from the other. Then his anger faded, but pure despair came into place. "Is this all that there is left of us, Phai? Politeness?" The young King asked. Seeing his lover made everything different for him, every emotion leaving him but the love he felt for Hephaestion. "Please…" He whispered softly now as tears threatened to spill from his eyes.

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Queendel: I fear for Alexander's reaction, love… and Cassander. Well, let's just say I have something else in mind for him.

I Heart Wolf: I don't let anybody down easy, love ;) But they're both strong and they'll cope. Thank you for reviewing my other story, by the way, it is really appreciated!

Nelia: Yes, he is staying behind –nods- Things are turning out quite different ;)

Baliansword: -giggles- You'll find out soon enough… you'll be in for a surprise.

Diane: You see so much in this story, love! Thank you for the lovely analysis. And again, no, it will not be like you picture it… well, if I have my way ;)

To all: Beside Royal Slave I'm currently looking into other stories to write. I have one about Cassander and Hephaestion which might interest some of you ;). I am asking for your help as well… if you have something you really wish to see in writing, or if you have some inspiration for another chapter of 'Flecks of white' (things in Hephaestions hair, clothes etc)… please let me know. Your name will be mentioned in the dedication, of course ;).