UnHeralded Strength, Book II, Chapter II

Hephaistion continues to have issues with his female admirer, and more…

Dark, curious eyes met eyes the color of a stormy sea.

"She has pretty eyes." Bagoas murmured in Hephaistion's ear. With admirable composure which Hephaistion noted, Bagoas' gaze met that of Meli's which was clearly ready to declare her possession of the tall, handsome officer at Bagoas' side. The woman's pretty face was drawn into a sneer as she raked the "young woman" at Hephaistion's side.

Hephaistion turned his gaze on his companion, seeing not Alexander's beloved Persian favorite, but an exquisitely beautiful young maiden. He shook his head as though trying to clear it of something. Bagoas he knew, he thought maybe even understood a bit, but this being beside him? He was a chameleon. Did he really know him? Did Alexander? For a moment it worried him, and his old concerns about Bagoas arose. He shook himself at the direction of his thoughts. Non, this was Bagoas, Alexander's Persian favorite, he would never cause harm to Alexander.

"I feel as though I am in a play and know nothing of my part. I think she wishes to kill you with her gaze." He whispered to Bagoas and tightened the slender, perfumed hand in his larger, rough one. He glanced down at the slender fingers, but noted calloused along the pads of the fingers and scratches along the knuckles. Not so delicate after all he thought as he studied his own which were lined with scars.

"Do not worry, I understand how to play my part very well and do not fear a woman's curses. She cannot wish away what I have already lost." Was his companion's response with a slight amount of humor in it. Hephaistion just sighed loudly as the voice of Meli resounded behind him.

"My Lord Hephaistion? I...I would speak with you." He turned, his bottom lip tugged by his teeth as he watched her walk toward him. He found his heart pounding and was sure his blood was going to freeze in his veins as he studied her. She was tall for a woman, and slender enough, actually nice looking with blonde hair and those stormy eyes, but he was not a lover of women, as was Philotas or Ptolemy. If he were she would not be one for she had a sharp tongue and clinging ways.

"Daughter of Antikilles, you seek me?" He felt the tug of Bagoas' hand in his, but stood frozen. He thought there was the look of pain in her eyes. Suddenly he felt extremely uncomfortable, and stirred the dust with his right foot.

"My Lord, I would speak with you! I know you have not forgotten me, nor I you. You did offer me your protection I believe? I have need of it this day." Her voice was harsh and grating to his ears. He winced though he tried to smile at her. This was the fourth time she had tried this trick on him. Twice he had been fool enough to believe her and found himself surprised. It wouldn't work this day. No by Zeus! Was her voice really that harsh or was it just his imagination? She was very forward was all he could think of at that moment.

"My Lord is awaited by the King." Bagoas' voice, that perfect alto, not even raised a bit floated past him as he felt him tightened his grip on the hand in his and smiled, but it wasn't shyly at the woman staring boldly at him.
"My Lord? Forgive my boldness, my Lord, but it will not do to keep the King waiting." Pretending impatience he turned toward Hephaistion allowing his body to nudge his companion.

"Th...the King? Forgive my intrusion, I, I…" Meli s blue eyes met first Hephaistion's then those of Bagoas. Hephaistion watched as color flooded her face and she turned abruptly rushing off. He felt even more confused as she ran off her voice resounding a cry on the wind.

"Thank you, Bagoas." Hephaistion sighed with relief. However, he doubted he'd seen the last of Meli. "Now it would serve us well…" He slumped and felt his body go week as he let go of Bagoas' hand immediately at hearing a very familiar voice ahead of him.

"'Tis the King," Bagoas' was all a grin, but Hephaistion only rolled his eyes as he straightened his tall length.

"Do not forget yourself," He whispered to his companion as he almost shoved Bagoas behind him and let go his hand.

"Hephaistion, did you forget me?" Alexander drew closer, his mood was easy, his smile wide open, his eyes bright with interest as he caught sight of Bagoas who was peeking out from behind Hephaistion's tall shoulder. "Hephaistion, I thought we would sup together, but I can see you have taken up elsewhere." Alexander sauntered up well ahead of his guard his eyes shining as Bagoas' backed up quickly behind Hephaistion. Alexander bowed himself in half as he reached out a hand behind Hephaistion.

"Do not be shy dear one, I will not harm you." He bowed again, as he drew a very uncomfortable Bagoas out from behind Hephaistion's tall bulk.

"Ah, Alexander," Hephaistion bent low and whispered into his king's ear. Alexander straightened immediately, his hand to his mouth, his eyes bright with laughter, as color rose to his face.

"Indeed?" He turned from Hephaistion to Bagoas and then back again. Then moved closely as he dared toward the young woman and peered deeply into the dark eyes meeting his. "Bagoas?" He whispered softly, "Ba… I think we three should adjourn to my tent for our, ah, meal." Clearly he was baffled, as he continued to stare at the young woman who was caught between he and Hephaistion.

"My Lord," The young woman bent her head demurely and allowed herself to be led along by Alexander who was grinning like a fool. Hephaistion followed along somewhat restlessly as he heard several comments from Ptolemy, who was also glowing at the lovely "young woman". He turned once afraid his "shadow" was still following him. Relief flooded him, as she was nowhere in sight. He would have to deal with her soon, he could no longer ignore her interest in him. If Bagoas told Alexander the truth his predicament, he knew he would never live down Alexander's teasing. He rarely had problems getting along with women.

"Well, so long as he isn't expected by someone else to bed or marry them." He amended with a satisfied grin as he gazed ahead at the King and his very curious Persian lover.

To be continued…