Alexander had to admit that those that had prepared the feast had outdone themselves this time. Servants carried in a fat, roast boar, roasted game fowl, assorted fresh fruits and warm bread, and his favorite cakes drizzled with warm honey for dessert. The wine was delicious. The food was amazing. The entertainment was the best he had seen of late, with only the finest performers in the court.
He was still pissed off, but at least after several more cups of wine, his mood had improved slightly.
He managed to talk and laugh with his generals a little, really making an effort to look like he was having fun. A lot of work had gone into his birthday feast, and he didn't want to seem ungrateful. He really wasn't. He did appreciate all that they had done, and tried his best to show it despite his dark mood.
He still had not seen Hephaestion, or Bagoas. How dare they miss his birthday dinner? Truly, there was no excuse for this short of death! He caught himself frowning and pasted a half-hearted smile on his face.
"Well, there goes the evening" he heard Cleitus grumble, followed by an undignified snort from Cassander. That could only mean one thing, he thought.
Hephaestion entered the room, moving with his usual grace, with Bagoas in tow.
As angry as Alexander was, he had to swallow the lump in his throat.
Hephaestion was dressed in black silk, the flowing robe adorned with a touch of gold embroidery. His hair was braided at the sides, just the way Alexander liked it, and he wore wide gold bracelets. The pendant that hung down the center of that perfect chest was a stone of shiny black onyx. A touch of kohl lined his eyes. Damn…the man practically oozed raw sexuality tonight. He heard someone near him whistle softly under his breath, and a soft "wow" from the other direction.
Bagoas was right on his heels, wearing plain silk pants of a deep red color, gold bracelets, and a gold band around his hair, which had been brushed until it was silky and shiny. Alexander had the urge to run his fingers through it. He had a thing for long hair, and both Bagoas and Hephaestion had beautiful hair. Hmm…I wonder what it would be like to run my hands through the hair of both of them? he thought.
Wait, damn it…I am supposed to be angry, not drooling all over myself! Both of them? At the same time? Where did that come from? He frowned slightly.
Alexander sat silently as Hephaestion settled himself on the couch next to his own, patting the space beside him for Bagoas to sit. A servant poured them both a cup of wine.
Hephaestion smiled brightly at Alexander, whose heart skipped a beat. "Joy to you, Alexander! I apologize for my lateness. I was detained."
The other generals were watching, for they all knew that Alexander had been quite upset all day, and they suspected it was something to do with Hephaestion.
Alexander glared at Hephaestion. "Good of you to join us, General Amyntoros." He fixed his gaze on Bagoas, who shrunk back slightly and tried to hide behind Hephaestion. "And where have you been, Bagoas? I needed you earlier and you were nowhere to be found!"
Bagoas opened his mouth to speak, but Hephaestion lifted a hand to silence him. "Do not be angry with him, my king, the fault is mine. I required his assistance on something and lost track of time. He was only doing as I asked."
Alexander saw the two of them exchange a very quick, subtle look. What the hell were those two up to? He didn't like being kept in the dark.
"Fine", he grumbled, "but do not let it happen again".
Ptolemy thought this would be a good time to lighten the mood. He stood, clearing his throat to get everyone's attention. "As you all know, today is Alexander's birthday!" He held up his wine cup, and everyone else followed suit. "Let us drink to his continued success and happiness. Joy to you, Alexander, and Happy Birthday!"
Shouts of "here, here" and more happy birthdays were heard from all over the hall. Alexander stood, nodding his head slightly to acknowledge the toast, and drank along with the others. He managed a smile. 'Thank you, all of you. The food and the entertainment have been wonderful, and I thank you for your kind wishes. Please, eat and drink all you like. Enjoy!"
He sat back down on his couch, glaring again at Hephaestion who merely smiled. He had an evil twinkle in his eye that made Alexander slightly nervous. What the hell was going on in that beautiful head?
The wine had softened his mood considerably at this point. He laughed and talked with all those who came up to wish him a happy birthday, accepting small gifts and trinkets from some. It was really very nice. He still had not received a gift from Hephaestion. He felt a bit like a spoiled child, but it made him a little mad. He turned to look at Hephaestion, only to find him whispering in Bagoas' ear and both of them giggling like children. He frowned again. This was really starting to get on his nerves.
It was growing late, and some of the men had begun to take their leave of him. The ones remaining were quite drunk, for the most part, and he doubted they would even be able to walk out of the room at all.
Hephaestion rose, fixing Alexander with another of those annoyingly bright smiles. "I must be leaving now, Alexander. Health to you, and happy birthday!" Before Alexander could say anything, he turned on his heel and left the hall, his black robe flowing behind him.
Alexander sat, stunned. He realized his mouth was open in shock, and reminded himself to close it. What the fuck? He just left? No gift? No kiss? Nothing? He looked at Bagoas, who was still sitting on the cushion that Hephaestion had just vacated. Bagoas smiled at him warmly but didn't say a word.
He heard Cassander and Cleitus snickering behind him and gave them a dirty look.
Now he was pissed off even more. He glared at Bagoas. "Shouldn't you go after him, since you two seem to be inseparable today?"
Bagoas hesitated. He knew this was all part of Hephaestion's plan, but it frightened him slightly to anger Alexander like that. He lowered his eyes demurely. "No, Al'Skander, I will stay with you if you like."
Alexander snorted. "Forget it. Go with Hephaestion. I do not wish to see either of you just now." He turned his back to Bagoas and pouted.
"Yes, my Lord." Bagoas said softly, backing away and scurrying out of the hall. Alexander did not see the soft smile that played on his lips. He was so looking forward to this.