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: None.

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 22

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Hephaestion gritted his teeth at the soft question of his King. He could have taken the anger of Alexander, so that he at least could yell back… but this despair and defeat, he could not handle. It seemed like he diminished Alexander, like he made the young man less than he was, and that he could not stand. This young man was a King and his reaction to his disappearance had been human… too human. It would make him an easy target for other abductors and Hephaestion didn't want that for his King.

"I believe it is for the best, my King."

He had stood and clasped his hands together, so that they would not find their way towards Alexanders neck, where he could wrap them around and lean forward. He would give anything to be able to walk straight into the arms of his King and forget about everything. But it was impossible.

Alexander came closer to him, but Hephaestion quickly shook his head. No, they shouldn't touch each other, it would make it harder to say goodbye. They both had to go their own way so that the young King could be the greatest of all time. Hephaestion would be happy as the new Lord Amyntor, he was sure.

"Hephaestion, you can't be serious. Why would you stay here? You have accused me of just dumping you here and now you are seeking this refuge yourself."

The young King shook his head, he didn't understand. What did the other want from him? Alexander sighed heavily and against the will of Hephaestion he took a step closer and wrapped his arms around the other young man. The General frowned lightly, but quickly did the same, laying his head on the others shoulders.

"I can't let you leave me."

"You must, Alexander… for yourself. You should follow your dream, just like you have promised me."

The King lifted his head and looked into the sapphire eyes of his companion. The other was serious. He had to go on without him.

"But… but… no!"

He hissed the words, pulling Hephaestion closer to him, but the other pushed him away and again shook his head.

"You have to. I can't be with you right now, Alexander. Too much has happened in the past few days." He whispered softly as he retreated, stepping back completely until he was moving out of the embrace of the other.

"I will always be your General… call me to join your army and I will. But do not do it for reasons of your own, because it would be the last time you see me. I have people to take care of now, you must understand that."

Alexander frowned at his words and shook his head, but the other didn't want to relent. He wanted so much to just go to Alexander and say that everything would be alright, but he couldn't.

"Go Alexander…" He whispered softly. "Please, go."

The King nodded and turned around. He had to hurry so that Hephaestion wouldn't see the tears he was trying not to shed. Why would his lover and best friend be so cruel to him, to not see him ever again? But that was not what he had said… Alexander could give him a message when he needed him. Not for personal emergencies however.

The young man himself walked back to his own quarters, choking back tears for what he had done. He had just said goodbye to the only man who had ever been good to him in this world. He had even given him this land, knowing that there was a chance that Hephaestion would stay here.

"Is there anything I can do for you, my Lord?"

Hephaestion started greatly. He had not seen this young man before, but there was no reason why he should. This was his first day here in the fortress and it would probably take weeks before he had seen everyone inside. This particular young man had a slender built and posessed an olive skin tone, which was quite unusual for this part of Greece. Together with the almand eyes and black hair, he seemed like an exotic beauty.

Because there was one thing you could say about him. He was beautiful.

"What are you doing here?" He asked rather bluntly. "These are the private quarters of the Lord Amyntor, are they not?" Which meant that whatever the other was doing here, he could better get the hell out.

"Indeed they are, my Lord. I was the personal slave of the previous master and now I am here to serve you."

A personal slave? Ah, so that was the case. Someone just like him.. no, he was not a slave any longer. He bit his lower lip softly and nodded, he understood. He would have to inspect if his father had kept other slaves as well.

"Come closer." He gestured as he commanded the young man softly. The boy took a few steps until he stood right in front of him. His hands were clasped behind his bag and he inclined his head towards Hephaestion.

"You are Persian." Hephaestion gasped.

Dark eyes bore into his, but the young man didn't reply. It was quite obvious that he didn't belong in the house hold of a Greek Lord, but in a Persian desert, in his village. Was he kidnapped as well? Hephaestion actually did not want to find out.

"What is your name?"

"Bagoas, my Lord."

Hephaestion gave a slight smile. He hoped that his father had treated at least this boy well, it seemed like he was not afraid of him at least.

"Well Bagoas…" He began softly as he moved his hands so that they touched his lips.

"I would like something to eat, if you don't mind."

"Of course not, my Lord." Bagoas dared a small smile and inclined his head again, moving towards the kitchen. Hephaestion sighed and closed his eyes. This was going to be next to impossible.

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Nelia: Aww, didn't mean to make you nearly cry. Although ;) I'll see what I can do for you.

I Heart Wolf: Thank you so much for the compliments. You'll see Cassander back soon.

Queendel: Deep in his heart he understands, but it is difficult for someone who is used to command others to let someone close to him just get away.

Kitten: I actually adore this Hephaestion ;)

Baliansword: Nothing is meant to be, love ;) And Cassander is coming back, no worries.

Angstman: Erm… Sorry. But it'll get better.