Warning: Again this is an –M– chapter, beware people.

 

CHAPTER 139

 

Alexander’s steps echoed through the hallway like a giant’s steps, the servants fled before him, running away for their lives as if he were a hurricane; it was almost as if the whole palace trembled by the sheer power of his fury and fine powder and debris fell from the ceiling while he approached Hephaistion’s room like an automat programmed only to destroy. He was so angry that his brain appeared to be shut down; he had no idea of what was he going to find inside the General’s room, his mind was numb and the only directive was to reach his beloved as soon as possible. What was he going to do with Scipio? Incredible as it sound he hadn’t thought about that, he would have to get there first and then...May the Greek and Roman Gods had mercy of poor Scipio.  

 

XXX

 

Hephaistion, for his part, was in the middle of an inner conflict that was threatening to drive him insane. His body shuddered feeling his friend covering him with kisses and caresses, dragging his fingers and lips through his hot creamy skin, his body pressed against his own. It was so curious how his body reacted to the Roman, his muscles contracting under his touch, his cheeks burning, his breath quickening and the heat concentrating below his waist while his heart was torn in a ferocious fight.

 

A part of him, his reckless part, wanted to sleep with Scipio, not only because he didn’t want to be alone that night not after so many nights alone, also because his rebellious side wanted to do something crazy, like everybody else in the so called most powerful army of the known world, to sleep with whoever he wanted without regrets, after all, that was what men did, right? Like Nikandros had said, his behavior, his faithfulness to his King, the fact that he had chose to belong just to him, that wasn’t normal, that was what was expected for women not for a man, and as his brother had said he wasn’t Alexander’s wife.

 

But his other part, the part of him that was in love with the King, said he was making a very big mistake. He was using Scipio and that wasn’t fair for his friend who had feeling for him. Why he had chosen to belong only to Alexander in the first place? Because he had chosen it, willingly, was it really such a bad thing? It wasn’t because he was degrading himself it was because he loved him and he didn’t want to be with someone else, that was the truth, he didn’t want to be with another person as long as he had the King at his side because he liked and desired him. He should have known better after sleeping with Scipio, after all he hadn’t enjoyed it, it hadn’t been the same, he hadn’t felt that something that made his heart burned, threatening to consume him entirely when he was with Alexander.

 

But, what now? –he thought, feeling his friend’s lips sliding down his neck. At every moment Hephaistion was more and more convinced that he was making a mistake and that he should stop this…But, he also felt guilty, after all he had used Scipio, played with his feelings, what kind of friend did that? And Scipio had been a very good friend.

 

The General moaned softly when he felt the Roman’s fingers inside him this time stretching him with care, taking his time; whatever Hephaistion was planning to do he had to do it quickly.

 

But I can’t stop him now –thought Hephaistion, feeling Scipio’s arousal against his thigh, hearing him moaning against his chest, everything were like a series of scenes in slow motion, as if he were an outsider, a spectator of his own life—I let him come this far and I just can’t say that I changed my mind. I have been using him, so, for now I should let him have what he wants…

 

- What’s wrong? –asked Scipio, kissing his chest over the fabric, both were still fully dressed—Where are you?

 

Hephaistion brushed the Roman’s hair back and kissed his lips, he had always liked to be kissed and even if he didn’t love his friend, as he loved Alexander, he cared for him and that was enough in those moments. He wanted to stop thinking, was that too much to ask?

 

- Don’t mind me –whispered the General between kisses, embracing the Roman to pull him closer; the heat inside him was asking to move his hips but he had noticed that Scipio didn’t like that so he content himself nipping his friend’s lips.  

 

His friend forgot his questions in a moment feeling Hephaistion’s knees pressed at his sides, but he could tell there was something wrong.

 

- You don’t want to do this, do you? –the General stopped kissing him and held his gaze. He could read in those blue eyes that it was pointless to lie to him; they were friends for a reason and one of those reasons was that Scipio wasn’t a fool. 

 

- I…

 

But he never finished that because the doors burst open, hitting the walls violently. They turned at the same time and found Alexander, his silhouette framed by the lights on the hallway, a murderous expression had transformed his handsome face into something terrible; he was at one step of breathing fire. Even if the General and the Roman were fully dressed from the King’s point of view the scene before him looked pretty bad: Hephaistion lying on the couch with his legs spread, his chiton swirling around his waist and Scipio over him.

 

- Alexan…?

 

Scipio had to jump off the couch and rolled on the floor before Alexander hit him, it was only luck that the King was unarmed or the Roman would have been dead by now, skewered like a pig, and world history would have never been the same because, with this Scipio dead, the Africanus would have never been born and Hannibal would have destroyed Rome more than a Century later, Caesar wouldn’t have conquered Gaul, Octavius wouldn’t have been Emperor and there wouldn’t have been a Roman Empire all thanks to a jealous outburst.

 

- YOU! –exclaimed the King furious, ready to kill Scipio with his hands or skinning him alive with his teeth. He had always been scary when he was angry and now he looked like the incarnation of a demon, which made the Roman to swallow hard and felt a shiver running down his spine; the hair behind his neck stood up but he didn’t ran away and even fought back when Alexander punched him right on the face.

 

- Alexander! –Hephaistion exclaimed, running after him. He wasn’t going to watch while the blond attacked his friend, like a lady in distress while her suitors fought for her love. 

 

The King and the Roman rolled over the floor kicking, biting and punching each other, until the General managed to restrain Alexander.

 

- I’ll KILL YOU! –shouted the King beyond fury, trying to release himself from Hephaistion’s powerful grip.

 

- No you will not! –shouted the General.

 

- Do you think I am afraid of you? –asked Scipio in a defying tone that his friend didn’t know him, wiping the blood from his face with the back of his hand—You are behaving like an animal not like a King, letting your emotions to control you.

 

- I can’t care less about what you think –said Alexander through clenched teeth.

 

- And for what everybody thinks, only your opinion counts –said the Roman—Why are you so angry? Because I touched your lover? Can’t you see that you are the reason why Hephaistion slept with me?

 

The King growled showing his teeth and for a moment the General was sure he wasn’t going to be able to hold him for much longer.

 

- Leave! –said Hephaistion to Scipio, but the Roman wasn’t very convinced. Leave? He wasn’t going to run away like a coward, not even if his common sense was telling him other wise.

 

- I won’t leave you alone with him –he said gallantry but Hephaistion was losing his patience. 

 

- Leave! –shouted the General and his friend saw in his dark gray eyes that he should do as was told.

 

Hephaistion waited until the door was closed to release the King. What now? He had no idea but this wasn’t going to be pretty, that was for sure.

 

- What the hell were you doing defending your lover? –asked Alexander, facing him. A less brave man would have cried watching those unmerciful uneven eyes, but the General didn’t even flinch. 

 

- Publius is not my lover, he is my friend –he answered as calm as he could in those circumstances. 

 

- You slept with him! How should I call him then if not your lover? Answer me! –by the King’s tone of voice one would have thought that Hephaistion had committed an unspeakable crime, and that ended with what was left of the General’s patience.

 

- Yes! I slept with him, so what? You bedded the royal concubines, my brother, Barsine, and who knows whom else, why can’t I do the same? Because you are the King? –Alexander took him by the arms with too much force, marking his skin.

 

- I told you…I asked you never to give what was mine to another man, and you betrayed me! You didn’t let me touch you since we arrived to Persepolis but you fucked your bloody friend –the King was so angry that his voice trembled. 

 

- I didn’t let you touch me? You tried to force me to have sex with you after humiliating me and my son –Hephaistion reminded the blond, moving away from him.

 

- I can’t believe you are still mad at me for that stupidity with Achilles –Alexander shook his head in disbelief—You betrayed me having sex with the Roman but I’m the bad guy, it doesn’t matter to you all the problems I have here? 

 

- Are you listening to yourself? Publius is right you don’t listen to what others have to say –said the General, raising his voice—Everything has to be about you.

 

- Well then, if Publius is so wise and so considerate why don’t you pack your things and go with him –the King pointed at the door.

 

Hephaistion laughed without humor.

 

- Really? You want me to go to Rome? You are a child, why don’t you really tell me what you want? –he challenged the King. 

 

- What do you care for what I want? –said Alexander in a nasty tone—If you cared for me you wouldn’t have spread your legs like a whore for the Roman.

 

What happened next happened too fast. Hephaistion punched the King so hard that Alexander thought he might have broken his jaw and before they knew it they were fighting as if they hated each other, biting, punching and kicking with vicious force. All their anger, frustration, sadness, guilt…everything! Found a way out in that moment, while they attacked each other as if they wanted to kill the other, crashing against the walls, the furniture until they fell to the floor.   

 

I know what you are thinking, we might have behaved like kids…or savages but trust me when I say that was the only way in which we could solve our problems. After fighting for what appeared to be hours we felt much better…

 

Hephaistion was astride Alexander, holding his wrists with force over his head against the floor, with one eye half closed after the King had punched him making him see stars. Both were patting, sweating and bleeding…and so close, so close. The General could feel Alexander’s hot body under him, breathing quickly, his chest going up and down. All his previous fury was disappearing; his surroundings appeared to melt until only them remain.

 

The sound of the King’s breathing echoing in his ears was amplify several times, his blushed face was the only thing he could see, and his parted lips looked so inviting… Before Hephaistion knew he was kissing the blond. He didn’t understand what was happening, he simply released Alexander to run the palms of his hands up and down his chest, wanting to touch him all at the same time, tearing apart what was left of his cloths.

 

Alexander didn’t stop to ask why was he doing this he just answered the kiss, hungrily, devouring his beloved’s lips taking his thighs, rubbing his thumbs against that creamy skin he had missed so much. The General rocked his hips making the King moaned inside his mouth and that sent electricity running through his body, he needed to feel Alexander, and he needed it now. He lifted the blond’s cloths almost frantically, he wasn’t thinking just following his impulses; he needed that badly. Hephaistion stopped kissing him and a little dizzy Alexander saw through narrowed eyes how that beautiful creature impaled himself.

 

The King ached and moaned with all his forces, the heat running through his body was intoxicating and he thought he would go crazy feeling his beloved riding him, without care, without delicacy, Hephaistion just wanted to feel and moved his hips like a possessed. Only then the General understood how much he had missed Alexander, this had little to do with lust and much to do with love, he loved the King and needed him but, in those moments with so many different emotions in his heart, didn’t find other way to show it than this, the most simple and primitive way, the first thing it came to his mind and the one his whole body was screaming to have.   

 

It took them a while to feel satiated and after that, the General rested lying on Alexander, his head against his chest hearing his heartbeat, his long legs resting languidly at each side of the King. For long moments they heard only their panting, still a little confused after what had happened, not knowing if all this was a dream…It had to be because everything was so unreal. 

 

For Alexander the cold floor against his back and the hot body of his beloved over him was almost an illusion, how many nights alone in the Great King’s bedroom had he dreamed about Hephaistion? Maybe his mind was playing tricks on him. He knew his General was with him was because Hephaistion had chosen him, he loved him, and he shouldn’t have forgotten that…  

 

Hephaistion is Hephaistion –thought the King. 

 

- I’m sorry –both said at the same time when they caught their breath. They fell silent and Hephaistion laughed softly.

 

- You first –said the General, kissing his chest.

 

- No, no, I would hate to interrupt you.

 

- But you are the King, I insist sire that you talk first –he heard Alexander sighing.

 

- I might have been wrong in the way I treated you and I apologize for that –said the King; it wasn’t a very good apology but Hephaistion knew him well enough to know that this was all he could get for the stubborn and proud blond.

 

- I made mistakes too, I’m sorry –they fell silent again. This was a very strange conversation but neither knew what to say and neither wanted to start fighting again, and still, there were so many things they had to talk about.  

 

- I talked to Aki –said Alexander, his eyes on the ceiling. 

 

- I know, he told me…—the General took a deep breath—I shouldn’t have intervened between you two. He will be King one day and I can’t protect him always. 

 

- He is fine. He didn’t do anything I wouldn’t have done in his place.

 

True enough –thought the General.

 

Silence again.

 

- I didn’t mean to force you to have sex with me, I just didn’t expect you were going to react like that –he made a pause— What I mean is that you and I have had rough sex before…You just raped me a moment ago –joked Alexander making his beloved laugh—Maybe I was a fool, but…It won’t happen again.

 

- Thank you.

 

Eventually they would reach the subject that had started this fight in the first place and Hephaistion wasn’t sure of what was he going to say.

 

- Your Roman friend –there! Finally the hardest part—Is it true that you slept with him? –the King needed to hear this again, now that they both were calm; his voice was emotionless but that wasn’t reassuring, now the General didn’t know what to expect.

 

- Yes.

 

- Why?

 

- I was angry –said Hephaistion with all honesty, looking at the wall through the thin locks of his hair, his cheek against the fabric of the King’s cloths—That was the day you ordered me to supervise the relocation of the treasury… 

 

- Then, you are saying it’s my fault.

 

- No, I never said that –the General took a moment to arrange his thoughts—I like Scipio –he felt Alexander’s body tense beneath him, he was making a great effort to stay calm, that was sure, but Hephaistion appreciated this, the fact that the King cared enough for him to listen until the end—But I don’t love him, he is my friend. That night I was angry and he was there…It just happened.

 

- He means something to you –the blond wasn’t asking.

 

- Of course he does, and that’s why this situation is so difficult.

 

Now the King was lost.

 

- Difficult how?

 

- He is my friend, he feels something for me and I just used him because I was angry with you –said Hephaistion, brushing his hair behind his ear. This was new, until now Alexander hadn’t thought about the Roman’s feelings, but that wasn’t a surprise, after all he didn’t give a damn about Scipio.

 

- I don’t get it, Phai –the King sighed, rubbing his eyes—If this was so difficult for you, why were you going to sleep with him again?

 

Good question, why? –thought Hephaistion, feeling that he would die from embarrassment at any moment. To talk to Alexander about Scipio was more difficult than facing the Persian army, that was for sure.

 

- I used Publius, and I thought…He deserves better and I wanted to give him something he wants –the General felt his face burning. He felt silly saying this aloud.

 

- Phai, Scipio is not a child and doesn’t deserve your pity; I’m sure he didn’t mind that you “used” him –said the King angry, but not with Hephaistion, he was angry with himself for pushing his beloved into this situation, angry with Scipio from being there in the wrong moment and at the wrong time, and again angry with the Roman for making Hephaistion feel guilty. He had part of the blame for letting things come this far, yes, he understood this, but the damn Scipio was also guilty. 

 

- I don’t know…maybe he doesn’t mind but…—what could he possibly say now? Oh! He had never felt so bad before, he lifted his head to face the King—I’m sorry, you are right I betrayed you and once you said that the only thing you would never forgive me was if I betrayed you and…

 

- Stop Phai –Alexander sat and Hephaistion moved to sit at his side, looking at him expectantly—Look…I’m tired of being angry and sick of being arguing with you –he held his gaze—I do many stupid things when I’m angry and you always forgive me, so why shouldn’t I do the same this time? –that made the General smile—But I’m not happy. 

 

- Neither I am, you bedded the royal concubines –said Hephaistion, but the reproach was lost behind his smile, he had heard from Xsayarsa what kind of girls the King had picked and couldn’t be more amused. 

 

- That was also a mistake –he said slowly.

 

- Why? Weren’t they good? Yarsa told me that some of them are really skilful –now the General was teasing him.

 

- And Scipio? Was he good? –the General shook his index finger in front of him.

 

- I asked first.

 

- You really want to know? –Alexander couldn’t believe that.

 

- Mm –the General pretended to consider the matter for a moment, his finger resting against his cheek—I guess no, besides I already have a good idea of what happened –he added mysteriously.

 

- How do you know? –the King was intrigued—Your eunuch told you, didn’t he?

 

- Of course he told me, he said that the concubines were really…em…disappointed with you –said his beloved laughing—Apparently you weren’t very delicate with them. 

 

- I didn’t mistreat them –Alexander frowned—I would never mistreat a woman.  

 

- I never said that –Hephaistion kissed his cheek—Alex, you aren’t a delicate person or a skilful lover, the only lover you have had in your life is I, and I’m not a woman. You never have been interested in learning about these things…like Kleitos for example.

 

- How do you know how good is Kleitos in bed? –the King raised an eyebrow.

 

- My sister.

 

- She tells you about her sex life? –Alexander was a little scandalized; women didn’t talk about their sex life with their brothers.

 

- Not exactly, she mentions things, small things, that let me know this is the principal reason of why she is attracted to him –explained the General.

 

- Poor Leon –said the King gravely. He looked at his hands for a moment and then lifted his head—So, you are not angry because I bedded the concubines?

 

- I was angry at first, now…I guess is like you said, I’m tired of being angry.

 

Silence again.

 

- You never told me about Scipio, how was it? –the General thought for a moment if it was a good idea to tell him what had happened. He didn’t like the idea of discussing that night with the King, but…

 

- It was horrible –said Hephaistion at last, it would be better for the blond’s ego and to make him feel better, and maybe after hearing this they both could leave the whole business behind—We don’t know each other that way so we didn’t know what the other likes –that made Alexander smile at last. Yes, he was feeling much better now.

 

The next awkward thing was to deal with Publius. Even if Alexander wasn’t angry anymore he wasn’t in the mood to see my friend, but I have to admit that he was gracious enough as to not try to keep me from seeing him, he knew better. And Publius was mature enough to not make a fuss after what had happened that night.

 

- So, his majesty is not going to behead me and you are no longer angry with each other –said Scipio next day, he had a very black and swollen eye but, all in all, he did not look too bad for someone who had almost been beaten to death—This is much better than I had expected, last night I was sure I was a dead man.

 

- You almost were but still, I wouldn’t advice to show your face in front Alexander –said the General.

 

- Don’t worry about that, I’m not going to be around for long –said the Roman, walking with him through the garden.

 

- When are you leaving?

 

- In a couple of days.

 

- So soon? I thought that after a long trip like this you would be here for at least a month –said Hephaistion disappointed.

 

- We can’t waste time Hephaistion, we need to get back to Rome –Scipio smiled—Besides, I don’t think your King would want to have me around for a month.

 

- Hephaistion! Hephaistion! –Kyros came running, for the look on his face it was important.

 

- Easy, Kyros, what happened?

 

- The King is requesting your presence at the palace entrance, he said a visitor has just arrived –explained the Theban without breath.

 

- I’ll leave you then –said the Roman.

 

- I’ll see you later –Scipio nodded and left him.

 

XXX

 

When Hephaistion arrived to the entrance he found his whole family, including Berenike and baby Demetrios; Amyntas and Sophia were with Leonnatos and as far as the General knew, his friend didn’t let his sister to see the children. It pained him to see his sister in that situation but he was also aware that this was Berenike’s fault.  

 

- What’s going on? –asked Hephaistion and his uncle shrugged.

 

- I was hopping you could tell me –said uncle Althaimenes—The King summoned us here but didn’t say why.

 

What’s Alexander planning? –thought Hephaistion intrigued, looking at the equally confused expressions around him.

 

- Aki, do you know something? –asked Lysanias, tired of being waiting with his arms crossed behind his head, but the boy shook his head.

 

- Dad didn’t say anything, just that I have to come here –the Prince explained. 

 

Then the King appeared, the General walked to him with all the intentions of asking what was all this, when he saw that he was accompanied by a woman, a tall, slender woman he knew very well, followed by another familiar face.

 

- Mom?! –exclaimed Hephaistion without believing his eyes.

 

Antigone, now with 46 years but as beautiful as ever, smiled at them and before she could say a word Berenike ran to embrace her followed by an extremely excited Achilles and a close to tears Lysanias.

 

- But…? –the General turned to see the King looking as the personification of confusion, but Alexander just smiled immensely happy to see that expression on his beloved’s face.

 

- Easy boys, you are going to suffocate your mother –said Cadie, fighting back the tears with a big smile on her face.

 

- What’s mom doing here? –asked Hephaistion unable to come out of his shock.

 

- I invited her –explained Alexander, very proud of his idea of bringing Antigone to Persepolis—I was expecting her weeks ago at Susa, but she was delayed at Tyre.

 

- Oh dear father Zeus! You are so big Aki –said Antigone, crying and fondly brushing her grandson’s hair. 

 

- I’m 7 now, nanny –said the boy proudly.

 

- Yes, I know honey –Nikandros gave her mother a handkerchief and when she raised her head she saw Hephaistion directly. 

 

Of all her children the only one she hadn’t saw in 4 years was Hephaistion. Lysanias had 3 years here, and Berenike and Nikandros had gone to visit her when their father had died a year ago. Antigone smiled, her eyes shinning in excitement and emotion, and thick tears ran down her cheeks; she walked to her son and embraced him with all her forces. She had so many things to say to Hephaistion but she couldn’t talk, just sobbed against his chest.

 

The General had to clear his throat several times, he didn’t want to cry, and embraced his mother thinking how much he had missed her.

 

XXX

 

- Why you didn’t tell us you were coming? –asked Nikandros, once the family was sitting at the garden.

 

- King Alexander asked me to keep it a secret, it was a surprise for all of you –said Antigone; she couldn’t stop smiling.

 

Hephaistion shook his head. So, this was Alexander’s master plan to solve their problem of Achilles’ lack of a mother, he had to admit it had been clever.

 

- For how long are you are staying with us? –asked uncle Althaimenes, he too was very happy to see again his sister-in-law.

 

- Five months, I coming back as soon as you leave the city.

 

- Five months? I thought you were staying –said a very disappointed Lysanias and Nikandros hit his head.

 

- You are a moron, midget –he scolded him—We can’t take mom to chase Darius.

 

Cadie laughed.

 

- I can’t believe you haven’t changed a bit, Nick –she said—How old are you now? 31? And you still behave like a teenager.

 

- Admit it Cadie, you love me in just the way I am –said the lochagos. 

 

- If I were you I wouldn’t be so sure –answered Cadie, teasing him. 

 

Hephaistion laughed, it had been so long since the last time they were together like this, it was a happy occasion but also a sad one, a clear reminder that his father and grandfather Demetrios were missing, they would never again be together as they used to be back at Pella.

 

But this is how life is –he thought. His father and grandfather were dead but here were baby Demetrios and Achilles, 2 new lives. He turned and then found his mother looking at him.

 

- I can’t believe how much you have grown, Phai –said Antigone—You are a very handsome man.

 

- Mom…—said the General embarrassed. 

 

- No, no, you have always been handsome, but now you are gorgeous –his mother squeezed his arm fondly.

 

- Mom, you haven’t met your new grandson –said Berenike happily, walking to her with baby Demetrios in her arms. 

 

- Ow! I was just wondering who this beautiful baby was, for a moment I thought he was yours Nick –said Antigone, carrying baby Demetrios with expert care. Nikandros looked at her as if he had sucked a lemon.

 

- But he is the living imagine of Leonnatos –said Cadie, standing at her side to look at the baby—What’s his name?  

 

- Demetrios –said the proud mother and Antigone and Cadie nodded their silent agreement.

 

- Iokaste is going to be so happy –Antigone lifted her head and surveyed the room—Where are Amyntas and Sophia?

 

As if they had rehearsed they all turned to look at Berenike at the same time.

 

- You didn’t tell her? –exclaimed Nikandros in shock.

 

- I…em…I was going to –said his sister nervously and cousin Demetrios ran a hand through his face.

 

- Eni, you said you were going to write to mom –said Nikandros, standing up, now he was furious.

 

- And I was going to, but I didn’t have time –she tried to excuse herself, twisting her hands.

 

Antigone blinked confused, looking at her children without understanding one word.

 

- Tell me what?

 

Hephaistion sighed, why everything about Berenike had to be so complicated?

 

- You have to tell your mother, it’s your responsibility –said uncle Althaimenes dead serious. He had had enough of this and wasn’t going to be the one to bring the bad news to his sister-in-law.

 

- You are scaring me, what happened? The kids are ill? –asked Antigone concerned.

 

- They are fine, mom –said Hephaistion—They are with Leonnatos.

 

- Then, what’s the problem? –asked Cadie, suspecting that something really bad had happened.

 

Berenike took a deep breath.

 

- Leonnatos divorced me.

 

Cadie looked at her as if she didn’t know her.

 

- Why? –asked Antigone, as if this were a mistake—Leonnatos is such a good man, what happened? 

 

- I…er…I…

 

Hephaistion stood up.

 

- I think you should talk alone –said the General, and everyone obeyed at once leaving the women.

 

XXX

 

Antigone and Berenike talked for hours, and by the time they came out Berenike had finally stopped crying but her mother looked as if someone had died.

 

- I know this must sound selfish but I wanted to strangle your sister when you told me she attacked your mother with all her problems –said Alexander that night, lying on his magnificent bed with Hephaistion at his side—I invited your mother so she can spend time with Aki, not to fix your sister’s life.

 

The General laughed without noise.

 

- It was inevitable –he kissed the King’s shoulder—But she is staying here for months, she will have time for everything you’ll see…Alex?

 

- Mm?

 

- What did your mother say when she heard that my mother was coming?

 

- Why do you want to ruin this moment? –asked the King making him laugh again.

 

- Was it that bad?

 

- Worst.

 

- Don’t tell me she wanted to come –said Hephaistion.

 

- No –Alexander turned to rest on his side and held his gaze—She doesn’t, but she doesn’t like the idea that I’m treating your family with special considerations.

 

- I can imagine –the King closed the distance between them and kissed him, slowly, savoring his lips. 

 

- I missed you –whispered Alexander against his tender skin. 

 

- Me too –Hephaistion rested his leg on the King’s hip and moaned softly when he felt his fingers caressing the skin behind his ear. It was Alexander’s way to demonstrate that he did know what his beloved liked…not like Scipio.

 

- Don’t you ever do that again –asked Alexander— Being away from me.

 

- You know, we should stop making promises –said the General, outlining his lips with his fingers—You know I love only you, can’t that be enough?

 

The King kissed him and took him by the thigh, pulling him closer and rubbing the creamy skin with his thumb. Hephaistion buried his fingers in his blond hair, enjoying immensely his kisses, his whole body relaxing under his touch. He had been a fool thinking that he could live away from him and only now he understood it, this was not about pride or doing what people say was right, this was about love. He loved Alexander and would always be with him.  

 

XXX