Alexander awoke early the next morning, just as it was getting light. Hephaistion was asleep in his arms, his head against his chest. He smiled to hear the gentle breathing of the man he loved, and ran a loving caress along Hephaistion's back.
He heard Thespis, out in the courtyard, talking to someone, then a little while after, a horse's hooves impatient to be gone. Lysias. It made sense that he would seek to leave so early. Hephaistion could fight his own battles but Alexander wanted to show he fought with him.
He held his breath, for a moment, and lifted his head to gaze down at Hephaistion. The gods acted in strange ways. He wondered, if his friends had not been exiled, would he have had the time or inclination to get to know the man who lay in his arms? Would they still have been drawn together? And if his friends were ever allowed to return, what would they think of him now? Lovesick and wistful as he was.
He gently kissed the top of Hephaistion's head, then lay back on to his pillow. The gods couldn't have chosen him anyone better, but if only he were not a prince. That was the final barrier. He understood Hephaistion's fears, and he knew he could not protect him from other's people's opinions and comments, not all of the time. It would be a hard path for Hephaistion, he was not so sure he would choose it himself. He could wait, though…..and hope, he had to, had Anaxagoras not told him that Hephaistion must come to him?
Hephaistion took a deep breath, his body stretching, relaxing. Alexander thought he was still asleep, but was delighted when Hephaistion moved his head, and he found blue eyes gazing into his own. He smiled broadly. "Joy to you, Hephaistion," he said, a little huskily.
"Joy to you, Alexander," Hephaistion replied, sleepily. He attempted to turn on to his back, in the narrow bed, so that he could stretch his arms. He glanced up at the window, no doubt trying to gauge the time.
"I think that Lysias has gone."
Hephaistion turned to Alexander, as if just remembering the events of the previous night, his tongue inspected the cut to his lip. He sat up and ran a hand through his tousled hair. "How do you know?"
"A horse just left, not long ago."
Hephaistion nodded in understanding. He waited for Alexander to get up before leaving the bed. He looked down at his crumpled chiton, and then to Alexander's, and he smiled. "I should go change," he said, making his way to the door. As he opened it he turned back. "Thank you, Alexander," he said, and then he was gone.
OOXXOO
Thespis and Meda were both in the kitchen when Alexander appeared for breakfast.
"Did you sleep well, Alexander?" Meda asked, grinning from ear to ear.
Thespis gave Meda an impatient look. "She knows you spent the night with Hephaistion."
When Alexander did not reply, but just looked at him, Thespis was drawn to a confession. "Lysias told me…when he left…he said that he had gone to Hephaistion's room this morning and found it empty."
"We quarrelled," Hephaistion said, emerging from the hallway to take his place at the table.
Meda gave a cry of concern as she saw Hephaistion's damaged lip. She ran to a far shelf and brought down a jar of salve, hurrying back to Hephaistion and insisting he keep still while she applied it. Then she put the jar down on the table as if it would be needed again at some point soon.
"You missed all this," laughed Alexander. "Meda likes to fuss like a mother hen."
"Where did Lysias go?" Hephaistion asked Thespis.
Thespis sat down at the table, close to Hephaistion. "He has gone to Aegae."
"Did he say anything?" Hephaistion could not stop himself from asking.
Thespis shook his head. "I think he had been waiting for me to get up. As soon as I came in here to light the fire for cooking, he appeared. He startled me at first. Then he said that he wanted to head for Aegae, he would not wait. So I gave him directions and helped him with his horse."
"You are better without him," said Meda, pushing a plate of bread and meat at Hephaistion. "You are better with Alexander, he has a loving heart."
"Meda!" chided Thespis.
Meda held her hands up. "What did I say, Thespis? I only speak the truth. And you are such a fine boy, Hephaistion, so good looking, Alexander would be lucky to have you."
"Let them eat their breakfast," pleaded Thespis.
"Why? When they will be gone soon and then I cannot say the words I want to say." Meda began to cry, bringing her hand up to her face to wipe away her tears. "If I am just a silly woman, then forgive me."
Thespis smiled and stood up, putting his arm around her shoulders. "Well, you are my silly woman, Meda. Come on, we have some work to do. Leave the boys in peace."
OOXXOO
Hephaistion smiled shyly at Alexander as Thespis and Meda left. Last night he had chosen Lysias, and told Alexander that he was too much to care for. And yet, he found himself wanting Alexander more and more, with every moment that passed between them. He was ashamed of the poor choice he had made, but felt it was too late to go back on his word.
He had not asked for anything but friendship, last night, and Alexander had given just what he asked, nothing more. Though they were just lying in each other's arms, it was as if they were intended to be together, that the gods were watching, and smiling down on them.
Hephaistion turned away, picking up some bread and meat, before Alexander could ask him what he was thinking. He had a good friend in Alexander. He had not sought the friendship, either, but now he valued it as his greatest treasure.
He looked over at Alexander and smiled, having his smile returned. Alexander had been watching him. It was not that he didn't want Alexander but he thought, that if he tried to explain in words then it might only confuse matters. He was twenty, of an age when he should really be looking for a wife, not a male lover. If he went with Alexander what would he do if Alexander married? He had already offered himself to one princess. What if another came along?
He was brought out of his musings by the sound of cantering horses and shouted greetings. Hippodamus, Pheidias and Leochares, from the Vanguard, were coming to bring them back to the world.
Alexander stood up, and Hephaistion followed him outside, listening as Alexander talked easily with them, remembering Leochares' family names, enquiring as to his sister and to his mother and father's health.
Leochares jumped down from his horse and embraced Alexander, who laughed at a comment made by Hippodamus. Pheidias dismounted, followed by Hippodamus and then Alexander led the way into the kitchen, Meda hurrying to serve more food and fuss about.
Hephaistion stood in the doorway. He longed to be a part of the Vanguard, to be free to spend time with Alexander, but his heart was growing heavy at the thought of returning to a place where Pausanias gave the orders and he would have to face Lysias once more.
OOXXOO
Aegae was different to Pella. It was smaller, more Macedonian in style, than Greek. It's walls and buildings spoke of a different age, when local tribes, cattle rustling and the breeding of horses were all that mattered, not what went on in Athens, or Persia, or beyond.
As Alexander and Hephaistion rode up to the palace, Hippodamus cantered off with his two companions to rejoin the Vanguard. The entire court from Pella seemed to be there, crowding in to the buildings, and walking through the streets. Ambassadors from all over Greece scattered among them, some pointing to Alexander as he rode by.
Arriving at the palace, they dismounted and handed their horses to grooms who ran out to take them. Alexander led the way in to the courtyard, towards some steps, going to his room.
"Hephaistion!"
A girl's voice rang out.
"Hephaistion!"
Hephaistion looked about, to see Cleopatra approaching them. He looked to Alexander. "Why is your sister calling me?"
Just then a small black and white puppy appeared, running towards them. Hephaistion bent down and scooped up his namesake, who wriggled and squirmed in his grasp. Cleopatra ran up, breathless.
"Hephaistion, you're a bad dog," she scolded.
Alexander laughed at the confusion on Hephaistion's face. "He is named after you," he explained.
Cleopatra smiled charmingly, taking the puppy from Hephaistion and holding him close. "We saw you in the market place, just as I was thinking of a name. And isn't the little puppy so handsome too?" she cooed, flushing as she realised what she had just said.
Hephaistion turned to Alexander, who was finding the situation comical
"I am glad you are together," continued Cleopatra. "I could tell that Alexander liked you Hephaistion, and he has been alone since his friends were exiled. Honestly, sometimes father can be so cruel…but Alexander, you should see the gown I have and the necklace and bracelet he has given me." She stopped for breath, catching a look that Alexander gave her. "What is it? Have I said something? Come and see my gown," she begged.
"I should go," said Hephaistion, his face showing how anxious he was to leave. "I need to go and find Pausanias, let him know that I am back."
Alexander nodded, but he would have kept Hephaistion close. He knew that Pausanias would keep Hephaistion busy, that they would hardly see each other until after the wedding when Hephaistion would be set free to join the Vanguard. "I will look for you," he said.
Hephaistion hesitated, as if he was going to say something, then he glanced at Cleopatra as if remembering she was there. He gave a smile, then hurried from the courtyard and was gone.
"I thought he was yours," said Cleopatra.
"Not yet," whispered Alexander. "But perhaps one day."
"Come see my gown," smiled Cleopatra, taking his hand and leading him away.
OOXXOO
The Royal Bodyguard had been given a large room close to the Great Hall. Even though the room was large, it was still cramped, once beds and belongings had been added to it.
Hephaistion greeted Cleon and Aristophanes, who were standing by the window overlooking a courtyard, and asked if they had seen Pausanias. Aristophanes looked to Cleon before he replied that he had no idea.
"Did you have fun with Alexander?" Cleon asked.
Aristophanes laughed at the question, turning to judge Hephaistion's response.
"Which bed is free?" Hephaistion asked.
"Alexander's, it would appear," replied Aristophanes, laughing louder.
Cleon shook his head, in mock concern. "A poor choice, Hephaistion…a poor choice. You could have had the king, and you settle for a prince….and a prince out of favour with his father. Eurydice's boy will inherit the throne, not the son of Olympias. What is wrong with a scarred, old body of a king, heaving it's way over you, making you rich, when compared with a young, supple body of a prince, who will get you exiled or killed? Poor choice, Hephaistion."
Not wanting to answer, Hephaistion looked about the room seeing a bed, in the middle of the room, recognising his armour and uniform upon it. He made his way over, happy to hear Cleon and Aristophanes leave the room. He sat down on the bed and sighed, reminding himself that when the wedding was done he could join the Vanguard. He gave silent thanks for Alexander, who had helped to free him from the guard.
"Hephaistion."
Hephaistion looked over to see Lysias, dressed in full uniform. As he entered the room two more guards, Timaeus and Epaminondas followed him, making their way to their beds.
Lysias came over to Hephaistion, sitting next to him. He studied the man before him for a moment, his hand reaching up to explore the cut on his lip. Hephaistion moved away, not wanting Lysias' touch.
"I am sorry I hit you," he whispered. "I did not know by doing it that I was sending you to Alexander's bed."
"Have you told everyone?" Hephaistion asked.
Lysias held his hand out and swept it about the room. "I told the guard. I got a somewhat hostile reception this morning, especially from our captain. I had to say something that would have them welcome me. The captain…"
"Pausanias."
"…Yes Pausanias. He seems to hate you. You should have warned me, Hephaistion. I can see the harm in bedding the king, I don't know if it's worth the risk….but if he calls me, I suppose I should go. If you had only said last night I would have changed our plans. And Alexander is so out of favour…" Lysias laughed. "His oldest friends have all been exiled. He must just need you as a companion, for now. If ever his friends return he will cast you aside, Hephaistion. And were we ever anything but friends first? So I would still be here for you when Alexander has no further use for you."
"Alexander will be more loyal to me than you ever were, Lysias."
Lysias laughed softly, looking away for a moment and then back into the depths of Hephaistion's eyes. "Are you already in love with him, Hephaistion? Like you were once in love with me?" He hesitated, seeing the answer shining back at him. "Then you are lost to me."
"We both knew that last night," Hephaistion replied, speaking softly as he saw Pausanias enter the room and look over at the two of them.
Lysias looked over his shoulder. Seeing Pausanias he stood up. "When does love get you anywhere?" he said, stepping back. "Now he has had you he will move on to the next one who'll bend forward for him." He laughed. "Onatas was already looking elsewhere when I left, for all that I had given to him, and sacrificed." He shook his head regretfully, held his hand out to frame Hephaistion's face, one final time, before walking away.
Hephaistion watched him walk over to where Pausanias stood talking to Timaeus. Lysias' hand rested lightly on Pausanias' shoulder, and they laughed together, Pausanias looking over at Hephaistion.
Hephaistion stood up and began to undress so that he could wash and change in to his uniform. No sooner had he removed his chiton than Pausanias came over to him.
"Cleon and Aristophanes are in the gardens, where the King is talking to ambassadors from Rhodes. I want you there, Timaeus will show you the way, so be quick about it." He stood and studied Hephaistion, then reached out to touch the scar he had left between Hephaistion's ribs. "There have been times, I wished, that I had pushed the blade a little deeper. When Philip called for you. When you went to him. When I saw you leave with Alexander. But all is done now. Stay out of my way, Hephaistion, for I take pleasure in seeing my enemies dead."
Timaeus came over and Pausanias continued in his conversation with him, watching and waiting for Hephaistion to be ready.
OOXXOO
Timaeus led the way to the garden, so that they could discreetly take over from the four guards already in position.
Philip was deep in conversation, Antipater and Cleitus sitting by his side, as he leaned over to talk to an ambassador he stumbled over his words as he saw Hephaistion, causing the ambassador to turn to see what had distracted the king. Philip quickly recovered, but the ambassador kept glancing and smiling in Hephaistion's direction.
Hephaistion could not hear any of the conversation from where he stood. He looked straight ahead, occasionally glancing around the gardens and wishing he could take his leisure in them.
Philip laughed and slapped the ambassador on the upper arm, then called to a servant to bring more wine.
Hephaistion heard someone approaching, and put his hand on his sword, then smiled as he saw it was Alexander. His smile was returned, before Alexander went over to his father, greeting him with an embrace, before taking a place next to Antipater.
His duties seemed less tedious when Alexander was around. Hephaistion strained to listen to what he might be saying. Some debate had opened up, Alexander was talking of Cyrus.
One of the other ambassadors stepped forward to give his opinion, but Alexander must have supported whatever argument he had, because the man stepped back, choosing to listen, rather than argue.
As Antipater spoke, Philotas and Cassander arrived and called Alexander to them. He excused himself and went over to them. Cassander threw his arm around Alexander's shoulders and pulled him close, Philotas just watched the interaction and smiled. Alexander grinned, and put his arm around Cassander's waist, saying something which made Cassander laugh.
Alexander looked over to his father, the debate had begun again, but he was not required to be there. Cassander led him away, and choosing a different route from that which he had arrived, he left, Philotas following after him.
Hephaistion felt a pain in his heart when Alexander left. He swallowed down his disappointment that Alexander had not looked his way, reminding himself that they were only friends, remembering what Lysias had said, that Alexander would one day have no need for him.
The afternoon dragged by. Hephaistion was relieved when Pausanias arrived with Lysias and two more guards to take over as the king headed for his rooms to bathe before the evening banquet.
He followed the others to the barracks dining room, and sat with them to eat. They would be back on duty soon enough. Timaeus made conversation with Hephaistion, until Cleon and Aristophanes accused him of currying favour with the prince's favourite.
Hephaistion certainly didn't feel like anyone's favourite. As soon as he was done, he headed for the banqueting hall and waited until he was needed. Pausanias posted him at the furthest end of the king's table, but closest to the ambassador who had been talking to Philip.
The ambassador looked delighted to see Hephaistion and invited his comrades to take a look at him. They openly admired his physique, wondered amongst themselves what a Macedonian would be like warming their beds.
Philip arrived, warmly greeted by all. He was escorted by Alexander, who took his place by his father's side. The banquet began, music played and there was much laughter and talk. When the food was done with, Alexander stood up and went over to Cleitus, sitting by him. That was when he glanced over at Hephaistion, and Hephaistion realised Alexander had moved deliberately to see him.
The wine made the ambassadors bolder, they began to make crude comments to Hephaistion. One threw a purse at him, saying he could have the contents for just one night.
He could not respond to them, though he had to bite his lip not to. He saw Pausanias looking over at him, grinning. If he reacted then he would be punished, Pausanias would see to it.
His release came in the form of a God. Alexander came over to him. Knowing Hephaistion could not speak, he picked up the purse and felt the weight of it in his hand, then handed it back to the ambassador who had thrown it. "There is no measure of gold that could buy Hephaistion. He is a friend of mine and your crude remarks offend me. You should take more water with your wine." He smiled at Hephaistion, then walked back to his father and sat down.
The ambassadors fell silent.
Hephaistion looked on Alexander in stunned silence, but Alexander only looked his way, once more, as he left the banquet and headed for his rooms.