Chapter 127

 

CHAPTER 127

 

Hephaistion looked for a small bottle at his side, hidden among the cushions; Alexander followed his movements with curiosity, wondering what was he planning. He had a powerful imagination and could think of a thousand different possibilities but his beloved always surprised him, the only person in the plant who always did the last thing he was expecting.   

 

- Kneel over me –asked the General, holding his gaze and lifting his chin proudly, like a true King—With your knees at each side of me.

 

Alexander nodded and did as he was told, the soft fabrics of Hephaistion’s cloths brushed his inner thighs, like a lover’s caress, and a hot tickling ran through his body. He saw two birds flying in circles near them, singing a beautiful tune, before stopping on a nearby tree, so oblivious to what they were doing on the couch. He felt the General’s long fingers, strangely cold against his hot skin, sliding through his legs all the way up, the muscles of his legs tightened under his touch, making his beloved smiled.

 

- Relax, I’m not going to bite you…yet –the General teased him, his voice a little hoarse, full with silent promises of what he desired from him.

 

Hephaistion lifted his eyes, but not his head, to look at him through the thin locks of his gold-bronze hair. He bit his lower lip, half smiling, remembering how much he had always wanted this, to be Alexander’s master, if only for a few moments, away from his army, his subjects, his obligation, away from everything. In this moment, the King was only his.

 

The General slid his hands under Alexander’s loincloth, reaching the soft skin of his butt, rubbing his open palms up and down, watching closely the King’s expression.

 

- Tell me something, Alex, and I want the truth –he purred the words, while his hand kept touching him—What is what you have always wanted to do to me? –the question took the King by surprise, the look in his uneven eyes were like the one who had been caught in the middle of doing something inappropriate, and that didn’t pass unnoticed for Hephaistion.

 

- What do you mean? –Alexander jumped when he felt one of his beloved’s fingers inside him. It had been a while since the last time he let his General had him; in a way he had been expecting this, even wishing that Hephaistion would take him, but this took the Great King with his guard down.

 

- I mean that –Hephaistion cocked his head, and a thin lock got trapped between his lips—What is that you want me to do but you don’t dare to ask?

 

Alexander felt his face burning, but he didn’t know if it was for the peculiar question or the playful fingers of his General, lingering inside him with the ease that the oil gave them. He knew the answer to that question, something he hadn’t dare to speak aloud, something that only lived in his darkest dreams and the sole idea of it made his treacherous body shiver.

 

- Why do I have the feeling that you do have something in mind?

 

Alexander settled his eyes on the trees in front of him, feeling his face burning; he sighed and took his beloved by the shoulders, needing to cling to something.

 

- I have…–a soft moan interrupted his words—I know what would I ask for you…—he shivered and took Hephaistion with force by the shoulders. 

 

- What is it? –the King bent forward and whispered something in his ear.

 

The General first looked a little confused, then surprise opening his eyes, round and big, and finally he smiled, suppressing the urge to shake his head and laugh. This was truly the last thing he would have thought.

 

- Very interesting indeed –he whispered.

 

- And what about you? –asked Alexander.

 

- You lost your chance to ask when you lost that bet –Hephaistion remind him, while taking his time to explore him, stretch him.

 

Soon, the King forgot what was he saying, and the General’s dark gray eyes shone with mischief when he found that particular spot that made Alexander’s body to melt, rubbing it over and over again just for the sheer pleasure of watching that rapture expression on the King’s face.

 

Alexander rested his forehead on his General’s shoulder, breathing heavily, his legs trembled and his heart pounded savagely against his chest. The King’s body felt strange, hypersensitive against his cloths, burning in desire unable to do something more besides feeling.

 

Then Hephaistion’s fingers left him without further explanation.

 

- Now you can eat breakfast –said the General as if nothing had happened. Alexander lifted his head, and saw him as if he were crazy.

 

- You are not… planning to leave me like this… Aren’t you? –asked the King panting, but the smile on his beloved’s face told him everything—Why…did you…do this then…?

 

Hephaistion kissed his chest over the fabric and Alexander sat down on his lap, he didn’t think his legs would support him any longer. The General bit his lip with force, wishing he hadn’t done this; it was a serious attempt against his self-control and that could ruin his plans.

 

- I would love to tell you that I was only teasing you, but no –he said with all the calm he could muster in that moment—I want you ready.  

 

- Ready for what? –the King understood even less. Oh, he was dying to feel his beloved’s skin against him own, and that made him rocked his hips involuntarily over the General. Alexander didn’t stop to think if in that moment he was more like a needy teenager or a docile courtesan, as long he were with Hephaistion he couldn’t care less. 

 

The General moved closer to his ear, almost purring the words, his hands on the King’s thighs.

 

- Ready to take you in whatever moment I want –Alexander hardly recognized that voice as Hephaistion’s, but it made him shudder with lust. His beloved moved back and patted his thigh—Now, get up and lets eat –he wasn’t very sure that he would be able to keep his cool exterior with the King on his lap. 

 

There was no way in which Hephaistion were going to let the servants, even less the pages, to see Alexander obeying him. The only solution he could think of was to ask Kyros for his help, telling him about the bet and prohibiting him to tell anyone about this. So, the Theban served them at the garden, trying his best to not stare at the King with his adorable red spots burning his cheeks, he had never seen the all mighty King, the man who had destroyed his home, like that, and it was truly worth it, even if he couldn’t say a word later.

 

Alexander shared the couch with Hephaistion, continuously changing his position and feeling extremely weird after what his beloved had done, but he ate his delay breakfast stoically.

 

- How old is your boy? –asked the King, watching Kyros go with the empty plates.

 

- 17, why?

 

Alexander shrugged.

 

- I was curious, he has been with you for…what? 5 or 6 years? –he wanted to know.

 

- Actually its 4.

 

- 4? –Hephaistion nodded—It has been 4 years since we attacked Thebes? –that left Alexander thinking for a moment. For him it was almost as if the destruction of Thebes had taken place in his previous life—He is in love with you, isn’t he?  

 

- Kyros? Why do you say that? –the General knew about the Theban’s feeling but was surprised to see that the King had noticed.

 

- Because of the way he looks at you –Alexander explained—I noticed sometime ago but…I guess I never found an opportunity to tell you.

 

- And that doesn’t bother you?

 

- No, because you haven’t slept with him, have you? –Hephaistion laughed.

 

- You have no idea; Kyros has a gift! No courtesan in Babylon can compared to him –the General laughed when he saw the King narrowing his eyes—I’m just teasing you –he nudged Alexander.  

 

- Not funny.

 

- Seriously, maybe Kyros has a crush with me but he is in love with someone else –Hephaistion explained.

 

- With whom?

 

- Your former page, Glycon –Alexander nodded remembering him—And speaking aof him, you are not going to believe what just happened this week. He came to see me asking to buy Kyros.

 

The King laughed.

 

- It never cease to amaze me how my men spend their pay –he said, truly amused.

 

- I thought something similar –Hephaistion admitted—Apparently, Glycon receive a substantial bonus and with that he wants to buy Kyros.

 

- What do you think? You want to sell him? –asked Alexander, and his beloved shook his head.

 

- I don’t know…I mean –the General sighed—I have never treated Kyros as my slave, and I don’t feel comfortable with the idea of “selling” him.

 

- But you told me he is in love with Glycon.

 

- Yes, but what if Glycon gets tired of him? If he is his slave that could end pretty bad and…—but then, Hephaistion fell silent.

 

- What?

 

- I…think I have the solution –said the General, frowning—But I’ll have to think it carefully.

 

The King smiled and drank from his cup. Kyros came back with a tray of fruit, left it there and left as quickly as he could.

 

- I want to ask you for something –said the General suddenly, licking his index finger slowly, teasing the King deliberately.

 

- What is it…? –Hephaistion stared at him and he sighed—My Lord –the General was in his playing mood again. 

 

His beloved nodded.

 

- I heard that Krateros has taken a taste for horse racing –the King stopped eating when he heard his commander’s name. What was the General thinking?

 

- And why do you care about what Krateros likes to do these days, my Lord? –asked Alexander, sensing that his beloved was planning something.

 

- I don’t, I was thinking that I would be nice if his favorite horses suddenly were put on quarantine because our beloved King suspects they are sick –the King looked at him as if he didn’t knew him.

 

- You are kidding –said Alexander, even if he was sure Hephaistion was dead serious.

 

- No, I’m not, and you promised to do whatever I want…—the General made a pause—Don’t look at me like that, I’m not asking you to kill him or something.

 

The King sighed.

 

- Fine, you win –his beloved nodded.

 

- Thank you –he could hardly suppress the smile on his face.

 

They fell silence. Now that Alexander took a moment to admire the hanging gardens with calm he saw why his beloved liked this place so much; it was so peaceful, the birds singing and the soft breeze shaking the leaves, he could hear water running near them, probably a fountain hidden behind the foliage.

 

- This is a beautiful place –said Alexander absently. Hephaistion left his cup of watered-wine at his side.

 

- Yes, so peaceful…Every time I’m here I can understand why Darius never took us seriously –said the General catching his attention—When you are here is impossible to imagine that something bad could happen.

 

The King had never thought that, but Hephaistion was right. That place, the palace, with it’s hundreds of servants, astonishing rooms, art peaces and gardens was like the song of sirens, hypnotizing men and making them lose their minds. It was so easy to forget about everything else surrounded by such luxury.

 

Hephaistion bent and kissed Alexander’s knee.

 

- Did you talk to Aki? –he wanted to know.

 

- Yes, I told him that he can meet Cleopatra, but not know, when he grows up –explained the King—I spent my childhood listening my mother’s speeches about my great destiny, what a terrible person was my father and that Zeus had visited her one night. I don’t want Aki to pass through nothing like that, if he wants to meet his mother, which means he would also meet my mother, I want him to be old enough to draw his own conclusions.

 

His beloved nodded.

 

- I agree, Aki is still very young –said Hephaistion—But…I have a hunch that, when he grows up, he is going to give a lot of surprises.

 

- What do you mean?

 

- I can’t explain, its just that…—the General took a moment to choose his words—Aki is very smart and he is being exposed to things that you and me only dreamed about when we were his age. He is going to be a King as no one has seen before.  

 

- So, you are saying that he is going to be better than me? –Alexander challenged him.

 

- Not better and not worst, just different –Hephaistion took a moment and then smiled—But enough talk, come here –he stretched his hand and the King closed the distance between them. 

 

The General kissed his lips and slid the fabric of his cloths through his shoulder until part of his chest was exposed. Alexander shuddered when he felt his beloved’s tongue rubbing his nipple, his lips closing around the sensitive skin, sucking with force. He moaned softly, his hands back to sustain his weight, and his head slightly cocked; Hephaistion bite him but that only served to make him moaned louder. 

 

His beloved took him by the thighs and pulled him closer.

 

- Bend your knees up –the General spoke against his skin and the King did as he was told.

 

Hephaistion took him by the hips and Alexander ached and gasped when he felt his length resting inside him. It had been so sudden, but he liked it better this way, to feel his beloved being so demanding with him, even savage, thrusting inside him like an animal. That was what he needed, to feel, to feel with such intensity, to be burned under Hephaistion’s passion.  

 

It took them a while before the General felt satisfy, and even after his released he lingered a moment inside his King before leaving him. He kissed Alexander sweetly on the lips, leaving a path to his blushed cheeks.

 

- You look so beautiful –whispered Hephaistion a little hoarse, the King, breathing heavily under him, turned to face him with eyes half opened.

 

The General kissed his cheeks again and took his hand between Alexander’s legs. The King gasped feeling his fingers inside him, playing and inspecting him with curiosity. It felt so weird. Hephaistion caught his lips when he heard familiar steps approaching them.

 

A very nervous Kyros cleared his throat several times. 

 

- What is it? –asked the General a little irritated. He had told the Theban that he didn’t want to be interrupted.

 

- I’m very sorry, sir, but your brother Nikandros is asking to see you –said Kyros watching his feet.

 

Hephaistion sat down, puffing his cheeks out.

 

- Kyros, I told you I was for no one, not even Nick –he said.

 

- I know, sir, and I’m very sorry, but Nikandros insisted –the Theban explained—He said it’s an emergency.

 

An emergency? –thought the General. He knew perfectly well his brother’s emergencies; most probably he needed money.

 

- Tell Nick that I don’t have time, maybe tomorrow –Kyros nodded and left them running.

 

Alexander sat with difficulty and brushed his hair back.

 

- You are not even curious to know what does your brother want?

 

Hephaistion turned to look at him.

 

- Do you really want me to leave you? –the King said nothing and his beloved smiled—Besides, Nick’s emergencies are always about money and women, he can wait.

 

The King kissed him.

 

- So, my Lord, where were we? –he asked between kisses and Hephaistion smiled against his lips.

 

The General embraced him and devoured his lips when…

 

- Sir –Kyros came back and this time the General growled angrily.

 

- What now?

 

- Sir, I’m very sorry but Nikandros said it’s extremely important…

 

- Kyros, really, I’m not joking –said Hephaistion in his commanding voice—Tell Nick that I can’t see him now.

 

- I-I understand, sir, but he said it’s about Berenike, her husband threw her out of his house –explained the Theban really quickly.

 

- What? –Hephaistion stood up—Where is Nick? 

 

- In one of the living room near here.

 

- Tell Nick, I’ll go in a moment –Kyros nodded and left.

 

The General sat down again and Alexander rubbed his back fondly.

 

- Do you want me to go with you? –Hephaistion nodded.

 

As soon as they changed they went to look for Nikandros.

 

- By Ares’s balls! What the hell took you so long? –said his older brother as a greeting, but when he saw the King there he closed his mouth.

 

- What happened to Eni? –the General went straight to the point.

 

- What happened? Your friend Leonnatos threw her out of his house this morning, that’s what happened –exclaimed Nikandros furious, he would have hit Leonnatos if he were in front of him.

 

- Why? –asked Hephaistion, unable to sit down and watching his brother pacing around like a caged lion.

 

Nikandros ran a hand through his face.

 

- Eni slept with Kleitos –Alexander opened his eyes in astonishment, but the General remained impassive.

 

- And Leon found out –he said with calm.

 

- And why are you so damn calm?…One moment, you knew! –Nikandros pointed at him with his index finger—And why, in the name of all the spirits of the underworld, you didn’t tell me? Why did you let her do this?

 

- Stop yelling, Nick –Hephaistion raised his voice—First I didn’t knew until a couple of weeks ago and I told her to stop that nonsense and I didn’t tell you because I knew you were going to be hysterical.

 

- I’m not hysterical! –his brother raised his voice angry and the General decided to say nothing—Can’t you see the gravity of this? Our sister slept with Leonnatos’s superior officer and now she doesn’t know who the hell is the father of her child.

 

- Nick, stop cursing –Hephaistion scolded him—Tell me everything with calm from the beginning.

 

Nikandros dropped on a chair and the King called a servant to bring wine.

 

- Eni came this morning to my house –said his brother—She was crying like the day when grandpa died and I thought that someone had gone to Hades. She told me about her affair with Kleitos, that she went yesterday looking for him to finish their relationship –Hephaistion sat down at his side—Leonnatos heard the entire conversation and threw her out of his house –he made a pause—As soon as I heard this I went to look for Leonnatos. He told me same story and that he doesn’t want to see Eni.

 

- He divorced her? –this was what the General had feared. 

 

Nikandros sighed.

 

- He doesn’t have a freaking clue of what he wants –he said angry—The only thing he knows is that he doesn’t want a scandal. 

 

- You can hardly blame Leon for not knowing what to do, he must be in shock –his older brother turned to look at him through narrowed eyes.

 

- On whose side are you? –Hephaistion puffed his cheeks out—But that’s not all.

 

- There is more? –the General could hardly believe it.

 

- I truly don’t know how was that Kleitos knew about what happened –Nikandros continued, shaking his head—But he came to my house asking me to marry Eni.

 

Hephaistion’s and Alexander’s expression would have been funny if the situation weren’t so bad.

 

- He did, what? –exclaimed the General in shock.

 

- I don’t know what to do –said his older brother, when the servants with the wine arrived.

 

Nikandros took the cup of fine crystal and drank the wine as if it were water.

 

- What did you say to Kleitos? –Hephaistion wanted to know.

 

- The truth, that Leonnatos didn’t divorce Eni so I couldn’t let him marry her –said Nikandros. 

 

The General rubbed his eyes. In what a problem had their sister put them all.