A couple of days later, Alexander escorted his sister, Cleopatra, to the market place. It was a break for both of them to be free from the palace, Cleopatra's wedding being planned and guests expected to arrive, at any time, for the wedding next month.
"I'm dreading it," Cleopatra confided, "and it doesn't help that Mother is so against it". She took Alexander's arm, taking comfort from the closeness, the strength of her brother.
Alexander smiled grimly. "We both know why. So we should both try to patient and ride out the storm."
Cleopatra held out her hand to caress ribbons, hanging in a line from a shop. "Pretty," she commented.
"They would look dull against you," Alexander remarked.
Cleopatra laughed, pleased with her brother's flattery. "I will miss you, Alexander."
Alexander took his sister's hand, squeezing it. He would miss her too, but he knew if he could be free from Pella, from the court intrigues and politics, he would leave that afternoon without looking back
"Oh look! Performing dogs." Cleopatra laughed in delight and stepped forward to watch.
Alexander stepped back, standing by a linen curtain, shielding a stall from the afternoon heat. He smiled to see Cleopatra laughing at the dogs, and then could see that she was still only a child, and wondered what their father was thinking to betroth her to her uncle. Cleopatra clapped her hands, smiled and waved at Alexander, then continued watching.
Alexander could not see the dogs, but he could hear the market trader, behind him, trying to strike a deal.
"It is a fine wrist cuff….the gold is well engraved, is it not?"
"I'm not disputing the workmanship, just the price. It is more than I can afford."
A man. Alexander thought the voice was familiar but could not put a name to it.
The merchant laughed, then made his voice soft. "He is worth it?" he asked.
"Yes," came the sure reply.
"What is his name?"
"Lysias."
"There is no other like it."
"There is no other like Lysias."
"But if you cannot afford the price…"
"You will come down no further?"
"The ring you wear. If you gave me that, along with the coin, then I would let you have this cuff."
"The ring belonged to my father."
"And your Lysias will wear the cuff and think of you each time he sees it."
Applause echoed around the market square, coins fell to the ground. Alexander could hear no more of the conversation, and looked to see Cleopatra walking over to him.
"The man has puppies for sale," Cleopatra said. "They are so sweet, Alexander."
"No, Cleopatra."
"There is an adorable little one, black and white. He could keep me company on my journey to Epirus, and he would always remind me of you."
Cleopatra smiled so beguilingly that Alexander was lost, and he reached in his purse for a coin. Enough to buy the puppy. "Make sure it's not the runt," Alexander called after her, knowing she would not heed his words.
He waited until she returned with the puppy. "Is he not sweet?" she asked. "I would call him Alexander, but that would just be confusing with a brother, a husband and a dog all with the same name. I will think of a better one."
Alexander guided her along the aisle he wished to walk. He knew the owner of the voice now, and sure enough it was Hephaistion. The deal had been done, he had the wrist cuff and had sacrificed the ring. Cleopatra led Alexander to a stall selling fragrant spices, the puppy licked at her face and made her giggle. While she looked around the stall, Alexander looked over to Hephaistion.
"Who is that?" Cleopatra had followed Alexander's gaze.
"His name is Hephaistion. He has just joined the Royal Guard."
Cleopatra studied Hephaistion as he walked away. "He is very handsome. Father must be pleased….Pausanias will not be."
Alexander turned to Cleopatra, marvelling at how the child had turned into a perceptive, knowing woman, in the space of minutes. "You should not know such things," he said.
Cleopatra sighed and rolled her eyes. "I have always known it. I spend my time with the ladies of the court….when not rescued by my gallant brother….and women like to talk." She grinned. "I know. I shall call the puppy Hephaistion, and that will get the whole court talking, and then they will wonder and talk some more."
OOXXOO
Alexander saw Hephaistion again at the banquet that evening. He was now dressed in the uniform of the Royal Bodyguard and stood at the back of the great hall, towards the end of the King's dining table.
Pausanias, as ever, stood behind Philip, staring glumly ahead. Alexander wondered if Pausanias suspected his father would make his move on Hephaistion tonight.
Hephaistion looked over at him, as he took his place next to his father, he smiled, then looked surprised when Alexander returned it.
"Alexander!" Philip greeted him warmly. Since exiling Alexander's friends he had started to regain his confidence in his son.
"Father," replied Alexander, reaching for a cup of wine a servant had hurried to bring him.
Philip turned to Thucydides, an old friend who had been injured in battle and had never fought since. He helped Philip with the administration work that came with being king. "How is it coming on?"
"It looks good, Philip. A true likeness."
"Is this your statue?" Alexander asked Philip.
Philip looked over at Alexander, his one good eye, studying his son. "You have something you want to say?" he asked.
Alexander wondered what the Gods would think, when his father's statue paraded alongside them. "Nothing," he replied, lifting up his cup and drinking his wine down.
Antipater came walking over, patting Philip on the back. "We have some good times ahead of us," he said, sitting down alongside the king.
Philip laughed. "It is a good match, and now we have the chance to use the union to show that Macedonians are cultured, worthy of leading the way to Persia." He glanced over at Alexander, knowing his son wondered what his role would be in the war. He planned to take him. Getting away from Pella had always been good for his relationship with Alexander, he hoped it would come back to what it was, that they would trust each other again. "Our guests start arriving soon. It is costing a lot to entertain them for so long, but it will be worth it in the end."
Antipater reached for an apple, then looked at Alexander. "And what are you looking forward to most, Alexander?"
"The games….the…." Alexander hesitated, he was going to say the plays, but actors were still a sore point with Philip. To say, the wedding, might remind his father of his own wedding to Eurydice and the argument that erupted. "The wrestling is always good," he added, quickly.
Antipater nodded in agreement. "And you, Alexander. Will you be taking part? Cassander says you are more than able."
"He is," Philip said, speaking up proudly. "But he refuses; he thinks that the other athletes will hold back because of who he is."
"And so they would," Antipater said, winking at Alexander.
"I enjoy watching. It does not matter to me," replied Alexander.
Cleitus came wandering over, slightly drunk on the wine. "I have friends coming to my rooms to gamble, Philip. Would you care to join us?" he asked.
Philip turned his head to look at Hephaistion. "I have some business to take care of first," he replied. "But I may have time to join you later."
Alexander had seen who his father was looking at. He felt sorry for Hephaistion, but he wondered if Hephaistion would profit from it, want it, like his father's other boys. It was none of his business. He stood up and excused himself, then left the hall.
OOXXOO
Hephaistion had not been having an easy time of it. Pausanias had been constantly threatening, even though he had not resorted to the violence of their first solitary encounter. The other guards, he shared a room with, would not speak unless he spoke first and then they were distant and unfriendly. They had their own routines and liked to keep to themselves.
He missed Lysias. Perhaps, if he asked, pleaded his case well enough, Philip would let him return to the place he considered home. He had said goodbye, but thinking at the time he would only be away a few days. Lysias had given him a sweet kiss on the lips, when nobody was looking, then hurried off to see Onatas, the garrison commander.
He had discovered who was returning to Methone, as messenger, and given a letter and the cuff to him, hoping it would reach Lysias safely. It was a token of love, a symbol that Hephaistion would return when he could, that hopefully it would not be long before they could consummate their love. They had waited long enough.
He was the one who was unsure at first. Lysias had been the one to initiate their relationship, stealing a kiss one summer's evening. Hephaistion had wanted to take things slowly, Lysias had been eager, too eager at times. But Hephaistion loved him. He loved his ready smile, his lean body, his blue eyes and curly, dark hair. On his way to Pella, he had decided that, when he returned to Methone he would let Lysias have his wish.
He came out of his daydream of Lysias, when Alexander stood to leave. Only this time Alexander did not smile at him. He did not even look his way. He felt a pang of disappointment. Alexander might be a prince but he was the one person who had been truly friendly to him at Pella. He needed a friend, a prince or a beggar would do.
He looked out over the dining hall, the small groups now clustered together, sharing laughter, drinking wine, singing, talking. It was not long before Philip stood up to leave.
Pausanias gave a nod to each man, signalling for them to go ahead or follow Philip. Hephaistion followed, his heart coming up to his mouth, dreading any advances from Philip, knowing he could not refuse the king, wishing he had not refused Lysias.
He followed the king and his guard to the king's private quarters. Pausanias told him to wait at the entrance to the hallway.
"Pausanias. No," called Philip. "Send Hephaistion in to see me."
Hephaistion thought he would be sick with fear, his legs felt like lead as he followed Pausanias, aware of the anger emanating from the man, the looks and smirks from the other guards, but all to soon he was in Philip's quarters, with the door shutting to leave the two of them alone.
Philip stretched and yawned, then turned to Hephaistion and smiled. "Relax, Hephaistion," he soothed. "I am the king, but I would also be your friend."
Hephaistion knew he should answer but did not know what to say.
"Are you happy here, at Pella?"
"Sire. I would rather return to Methone."
Philip frowned at Hephaistion's reply. "Perhaps you will come to prefer it at Pella." Philip moved to a couch, standing by it. "Come here, Hephaistion," he said.
Hephaistion was slow to move, feeling like a mouse moving into the path of a cat. He was aware of Philip studying him as he walked towards him. He came to a halt two paces from Philip.
Philip stepped forward and closed the distance between them. "You are very handsome, Hephaistion."
"Thank you," replied Hephaistion, his mouth dry.
Philip put his hand up to Hephaistion's face, running his fingers into Hephaistion's hair, caressing his cheek. "Perfect," Philip whispered. He leaned forward to take a kiss, as if he had every right.
Hephaistion stepped back. "I cannot," he said, fearing the king's reaction.
Philip did not seem angry, he stepped after Hephaistion, wrapping a lock of Hephaistion's hair around his index finger, while staring into Hephaistion's eyes. "You have another?" he asked.
Hephaistion nodded. "Lysias," he said, drawing strength from the name.
"He is untrue," replied Philip.
"No. He never would be. He loves me," Hephaistion replied, feeling angered at Philip's confidence in Lysias' infidelity.
Philip stepped back. Hephaistion wondered if he was excused. He was surprised that Philip would give in so easily. He took a deep breath. Relieved.
Philip went over to his desk, finding the letter he was seeking. He brought it over to Hephaistion, handing it to him. It was the message he had brought from Methone. "Read it," he said.
Hephaistion did not want to look at it. A feeling of dread seized him. He opened it and read the letter.
Hail Philip,
Fear not! All is well, much the same as my previous report, we live untroubled.
I write to ask a favour from an old friend. I would beg you to keep the boy before you in your service.
There were two at the garrison I had my eye on, Lysias and Hephaistion. This boy, Hephaistion is the one, by choice, I would have bedded. I had his respect and loyalty but he has never shown any interest in spreading his legs for me. Maybe it will take a king to make him yield.
Lysias, proved only too happy to take a tumble in my bed. He offered himself in the hope, I suppose, of promotion. He is eager and keen to please, so he might make Captain yet!
However, now Lysias tells me he fears Hephaistion will discover I am his erastes. So I send him to you – I hope you have more luck than me at gaining his affection.
Your friend and loyal subject.
Onatas
Hephaistion handed the note back to Philip, his hand shaking.
"It is not a nice thing is it?" Philip asked. "To discover that those we love are untrue."
Tears stung Hephaistion's eyes, he looked away.
Philip put his hand on Hephaistion's shoulder. "Stay with the Royal Guard, Hephaistion. Think that you could have the attention of the king….if you wanted it. I will not force you."
Hephaistion nodded, he had nowhere else to go.
"You are excused from your duties tonight. We will talk again in a couple of days."
Hephaistion stepped back, then turned and hurried from the room.