CHAPTER 189

 

Hephaistion’s eyelashes trembled when the sunlight hit his face. He felt as tired as he could only be after marching an entire day and his muscles hurt as if a horse had crashed over him. He stretched lazily and every single muscle complained. Last time the commander had felt like this was after a day suffering his grandfather’s special training when he was 18 years old. What had he been doing? Hephaistion opened his eyes and found himself in a room he did not recognize, he blinked trying to focus his eyes, to cast aside the morning mist that did not let him see clearly and finally realized this was his own tent.

 

What the…? —and his shock and confusion did nothing but increase when he also noticed his half naked body lying face down on his favorite couch– What the hell? –that was his last thought before last night events came back to him like an wave, covering and sweeping everything in its path. He blushed savagely, so intently that he feared he would suddenly burst in flames, and sat down so quickly that he felt dizzy— I slept with Nick and Alex…

 

After days of inner conflict and moral crisis, after days thinking about this, after considering the possibility of granting his lover’s ultimate fantasy and after everything he had said about not sleeping with his brother ever again, he had done it. This only taught Hephaistion one thing: never say never. The commander turned, his dark gray eyes full with surprised and shock looking around the messy tent, the table with rest of food, the olive oil bottle laying forgotten with a last drop of oil hanging frozen and all the cushions scattered on the floor.

 

And there he found his brother and Alexander, sleeping on the floor, close to each other. The King snoring loudly and Nikandros resting on his side, drooling with his mouth unglamorous open. Hephaistion smiled and shook his head, thinking how innocent they looked now, because last night...

 

I will go to Hades for this –said the commander, still not believing everything he had done. When he had succumbed to Nikandros the day before he never imagined Alexander would suddenly appear and join them— And I let them…both of them… —but, was he disgusted, upset angry? It surprised him even more to find that he was more excited and amused than everything else. This was the craziest thing he had ever done in his life but he did not regret it. At least now he knew what was like to have a threesome— I’m sick –he thought laughing without noise. 

 

Hephaistion stood up and went at his lover’s side. He clenched his teeth while kneeling at his side, feeling how his legs complained, and shook Alexander gently by the shoulder until the King stopped snoring and eventually opened his eyes. The blond too looked a little lost, disorientated and confused and for a moment he did not know why was Hephaistion in front of him, was not his beloved at the Indus River? Could he be dreaming? Then he remembered everything and little by little he smile like a big content cat, almost licking his whiskers, purring and rolling on his back.

  

— Good morning my love –the King straightened himself and kissed his lips sweetly. Even his voice sounded like a honeyed meowing.

 

I just hope he doesn’t start purring –thought Hephaistion, smiling against his will, his lover looked so happy that it was hard to ignore. His beloved was sure he could say in that moment that the whole Persian Empire was in opened revolt and Alexander would not care.

 

— You came back early –the commander was clueless of what to say after a night of shameless wild sex with your lover and brother. Did a social protocol exist to deal with this kind of situations? The King yawned and brushed his blond hair back making it looked even messier but he had never been the kind of man who pays attention to this kind of things.

 

— Yes, and you have no idea of how happy I am to have made the men marched faster –again that smile of absolute self-content.

 

— You have no shame.

 

— I have no shame? –Alexander chuckled— I was not the one making out with my brother –the blond saw again that glorious moment with his mind eye, one step of screaming like an overexcited fan girl and Hephaistion laughed. It was so funny to see such a powerful man behaving like an idiot.

 

— Well, finally you got have you wanted –the commander brushed aside the blond locks that did not let him admire his lover. 

 

— Yes, and it was so, so…—the King struggled to find the right word to put together everything he was feeling— Amazing doesn’t begin to describe it.

 

His beloved looked amused, he had never seen Alexander like this but he had to admit it was very funny, he looked so sweet and he would be a horrible liar if did not confessed he had loved it too. Hephaistion moved closer, surrounding his lover’s neck with his arms and kissed him, slowly, wanting to enjoy being with him after the outburst of passion of the night before. 

 

— I missed you –Hephaistion purred against his lips.

 

— Me too –the King kissed him back, taking him by the wait, feeling ready for a second round when Nikandros screamed like a woman in front of the meanest of all rats.

 

They both turned and found Xsayarsa, standing over the lochagos’ hand.

 

— Bloody eunuch! –cursed the lochagos, looking for his sword. It was only luck he did not find it or would have killed poor Xsayarsa in that moment.

 

The eunuch looked in the least scared and just crossed his arms over his chest, looking down at him.

 

— Well excuse me, but it was not my fault you were sleeping on the floor –complained Xsayarsa, noticing for the first time that his patron and the King were there too— What are you doing here?

 

If only you knew Yarsa –thought Hephaistion, smiling.

 

XXX

 

The Macedonian army crossed the Indus River that same day. Ambhi excused himself and left the Macedonians as soon as the last soldier had crossed, but not before assuring them, after a great deal of swearing by the memory of all his ancestors, that he would go to his kingdom in order to prepare everything to surrender Taxila to the young conqueror. Those were great news; Taxila was a powerful land and, in the hands of the Macedonian King, gave him a strategic advantage in the Punjab. Alexander did not follow Ambhi immediately and decreed the army would rest for a month before continuing their journey. It was March now and the men received the news with overwhelming joy, after months fighting a savage battle after another they would have now the change to regain their strength.

 

But not all of them used this time to rest. Roxanne for her part was very busy planning her next move and had not stopped his machinations even to enjoy the several games and competitions the King organized. Since the day they arrived at the Indus River the King was ridiculously happy, he appeared to float sometimes and looked at Hephaistion with naked adoration that was beginning to end with the Queen’s patience. What had the commander done to the King? She had no idea but, if she did not know better, Roxanne would swear Hephaistion had bewitched him.

 

The Queen was learning quickly that, one way to gain power was by gathering information, especially naughty embarrassing secrets of every important person in the army, which Roxanne had learned, was where the real power of this new Empire really lay. She had eyes and ears everywhere and soon learned that Perdikkas had slept with the late Darius’ wife and was now obsessed with the brat, the same as Seleucus, that Krateros hated Hephaistion, that Bagoas had given the commander aphrodisiac herbs hoping that someone would rape him, that Lanike was not Leonnatos’ daughter but the late Kleitos’ and many things that, for someone else, would have appeared to be insignificant but for her were very valuable.

 

But despite all this Roxanne was restless, she had information about everyone but Hephaistion. The commander was not the sort that liked to talk much, he did not share his secrets with anyone but the King or his big brother who the Queen soon learned was a shameless womanizer. So far she had rumors, hearsay or things everybody knew about the beautiful commander, nothing that could be useful. Roxanne needed information about Hephaistion and she needed it quickly but the problem was where to find it.

 

The Queen tried first with Nikandros after learning he was his brother’s confidant and, to accomplish this, Roxanne sent her servant, Parmys, to seduce the lochagos. Of course Nikandros bedded her without much trouble but, for Roxanne’s absolute anger, he say not one word about his brother to her beautiful servant. 

 

— Your highness, the lochagos would never talk –said Parmys, coming back from her mission. The servant girl had tried for almost 2 weeks and after that time she was sure of one thing— I know men and this one would never said a word about his brother, he is cunning and loyal and doesn’t trust strangers.

 

Roxanne was not pleased and that was clear just watching her pursed lips. She scared an annoying mosquito with her hand and moved her foot up and down as she used to do when she was anxious. The Queen had been sure Nikandros would talk after bedding a beautiful girl, he did not seen too smart for her, but clearly she had misjudged him. 

 

— I’m tired of this! –exclaimed Roxanne, finally losing her patience— If his brother won’t talk, who? The damn Hephaistion doesn’t talk to anyone else and surely you don’t think the King would just spill out his beloved’s secrets to me, do you?

 

Parmys looked ashamed, she wanted to help her mistress and had failed, but Nikandros, as much as he liked women, he also knew when they were trying to get information from him. He was not naïve and years as a womanizer had taught him many useful things. So, the lochagos just bedded Parmys, enjoyed her and sent her back to her own tent with a slap on her butt. He didn’t even let her spent the night with him claiming that he liked to sleep alone.   

 

— Your highness, I was of no use for you but…

 

— Oh, really? –Roxanne exclaimed with sarcasm— I wonder, where did you get that idea? –her servant was one step of start crying. The Queen clicked her tongue— If you have something to say, say it! But don’t start crying, you know how I hate that –she ordered, sitting on the chair like a judge.

 

She was running out of time, almost a year had passed since she married Alexander and her situation had not improved: she was childless, the King was not interested in her and a simple commander had more power than her. Every year she was getting older and every year would be more difficult to gain the King’s affection, besides, losing so much time she risked Alexander could as well marry again and sire sons with other woman. All the Queen’s dreams, those she had on her wedding night, were in danger to evaporate and she could not permit it.

 

Parmys nodded, her eyes on the floor, twisting her hands nervously.

 

— Maybe, the commander’s eunuch knows something –she said shyly and the Queen frowned.

 

— What makes you think this?

 

— The lochagos only talked to me once –Parmys explained— And he mentioned something about the commander trusting the eunuch too much. I think that was the only time the lochagos mentioned his brother in front of me, perhaps after that he became suspicious, I cannot tell.  

 

Roxanne thought this for a moment. It was well known that eunuchs held many secrets in the Persian court, why would it be different now?

 

— Do you think this the eunuch will talk? –the Queen was desperate if she was truly considering this, but why not?

 

— Your highness, with the right person he will.

 

— Speak clearly.

 

— The commander’s eunuch likes Peisandros –those were great news and the Queen smiled.

 

Peisandros was one of the many pairs of eyes and ears she had in the army. After all, she was now 17 years old, beautiful and much wasted with a King that did not pay her the attention she deserved, and the mercenary hipparch was man who knew how to treat a beautiful woman.

 

Peisandros… Well, lets see if the eunuch knows something useful –thought Roxanne.

 

XXX

 

Since the army would stay at the edge of the Indus for a month, Hephaistion decided this was a great opportunity to spend time with Achilles. He had been dying to talk to the boy since they came back and the Prince proudly showed him the magnificent belt the King had given him after claiming his first life. But, even if his heart ached to be with his son this was not possible until almost 2 weeks had passed. The commander decided take his boy to hunt, this way they would be doing something they like, and more importantly, both would be completely alone.

 

— You are going to hunt? –asked the King when he found his beloved getting his mount ready to spend at least 3 days away. Kyros was near helping the commander to pack and trying his best to avoid looking at Alexander and pretend he was nothing more than part of the set. The Theban was still afraid of him.

 

— Yes –answered Hephaistion, checking that he was not forgetting anything.

 

— With Aki?

 

— Yes.

 

— And why you didn’t tell me? –Alexander did not look happy— I will send for my things and I can go with you, just wait me a…

 

— Alex –his beloved turned to look at him, taking him by the shoulder— I did not tell you anything because I want to go with Aki. Alone.

 

The King almost pouted, looking adorably disappointed.

 

— But I want to go.

 

The commander smiled.

 

— I know but I want to spend time with my son –Hephaistion explained— It has been too long since I have an opportunity like this.

 

Both fell silent until Alexander shook his head.

 

— Fine… —the King puffed out. He was still unhappy about this.

 

The only reason why Alexander agreed to let them go so easily was because his guilt was almost as big as his ego, after all, it had been thanks to him that his beloved had not been able to see his son, having the Prince always at his side. The King agreed to let them go but he wanted to send his beloved and son with half of the Agema as their escort, Hephaistion insisted he only needed grandfather Demetrios’ swords, and left with no more guards than Bastet, for Alexander’s utterly consternation.

 

The first day was a wonderful oasis of peaceful quiet, and Hephaistion had not known how much he needed this, to be away from everything in the harmonious tranquility that only nature could bring into a man’s heart, until he was here. Even in a strange land like India he felt at home while riding with his son through the green immensity. After a long time, that felt like an eternity to the commander, he was able to talk to Achilles but he was depressed to find that his son was almost a stranger to him.

 

I left a child and now I met a young man –he thought, watching his son getting his hunting spear ready.

 

The first day they talked about everything and nothing, regaining little by little the trust they had enjoyed before spending so much time away from each other. The second day was when they really began to talk, when Achilles really opened his heart and when Hephaistion could see what kind of person really was his son.

 

— When dad took Gaza I liked to dream that, one day, I will be a great warrior like you –said the boy, laying at his father’s side that night, face up, watching the stars above them and hearing the soft cracking of the fire, burning near them and casting capricious shadows over the sleeping Bastet— I liked to think that I would be a great commander, making you and dad proud.      

 

All boys that age dream the same thing –thought the commander— I used to do it too, imagining myself coming back home covered in glory and making my dad proud. 

 

— You no longer think that way? –Hephaistion rested on his side, wanting to see his son’s face, trying to understand him and get to know the boy again.

 

The Prince shook his head. He kept his hair short since that dreadful day when he was mistaken for a beautiful virginal princess, but a long lock crossed his face, sometimes hiding one of his uneven eyes. And this time, when Achilles turned to look at his father, he did it through his amber eye.

 

— That night at Aornus I was very scared and confused –he admitted, even if he felt ashamed of it— I truly thought I was going to die –he made a pause, shivering as the memory of that night came again to him, every sound alive again, the clash of metal against metal, men’s screams and horses’ neighing, he could even smelling again the blood, dirt and fear around him.

 

— Aki, war is nothing like the songs you like so much, or as those gallant tales that arouse the imagination of children –said Hephaistion, understanding without words what had happened at Aornus— War is blood, suffering and destruction and to watch death at it’s face is not pleasant.  

 

— Dad doesn’t think like that –Achilles said almost shyly, as if all should see war like Alexander did.

 

— No, he doesn’t; but luckily there are not many like your dad –the Prince smiled— At least now you killed your first man, you have your sword belt and men would treat you like an adult, as you always wanted.

 

It looks like lately everybody is having their wishes granted: Alex slept with Nick and I, Nick slept with me again and Aki would be now treated like an adult –thought the commander— But, what do I want?…

 

— Yes, but I don’t think I would be a great warrior like you…not even a great commander like dad –this time there was no sadness in Achilles’ voice, this time he sounded like someone aware of what is he capable, someone who accepts his limitations— But I still think I can be a pretty badass King. 

 

Hephaistion laughed.

 

— I’m sure you will.

 

Silence. A noise nearby woken Bastet and she went to see what was lurking among the bushes.

 

— Daddy, I want to ask you something –said Achilles, rolling to rest on his side.

 

— Whatever you want, son.

 

— Dad was the first person you had sex with? –that was definitely not the question the commander had expected. Why was so difficult for him to talk to his son about sex?

 

— No, he was not –he answered trying not to sound too serious, he did not want to make the Prince feel he had done something wrong by asking this.

 

— Was it a girl? –Achilles asked with curiosity. 

 

Hephaistion thought that for a moment how to answer that question. King Philip had been his first but since the late King had raped him he decided it did not count; besides, he truly did not fancy the idea of talking about his rape with Achilles.

 

Maybe one day but not now –he thought.

 

— Yes, it was –answered the commander, remembering Messalina— Your uncle Nick took me to a brothel at Pella.

 

The Prince nodded.

 

— He mentioned that when he took me too, but I thought he was lying just to make me feel comfortable, that is…

 

— Whoa! What did you say? Your uncle did what? –asked Hephaistion, sitting and trying to assimilate that avalanche of news.

 

Achilles blinked confused.

 

— He told me you knew.

 

— Knew what? Explain it to me, please –asked the commander, one step to start hyperventilating.

 

The Prince did not have to be a genius to understand his uncle had cheated him. He felt like a fool, how was that he had believed Nikandros in the first place?

 

Maybe because I was so eager to do it that I did not care much to ask if daddy truly knew –thought Achilles, feeling his cheeks burning. 

 

— Uncle Nick bought me a whore –answered the Prince and the commander felt close to faint. A whore? To his perfect, innocent, fragile and pure son? He was going to kill Nikandros. A whore!

 

— From the camp followers?! –Hephaistion exclaimed, remembering what his brother had said about those women, but the boy shook his head.

 

— No. It was a hetaira, Meleager’s mistress –Achilles explained. 

 

— Meleager lent you his mistress? –it was not too far-fetched, the commander had even heard of men giving their own wives to powerful lords in order to gain their favor. Was this the case? Something told him it was not. If Meleager wanted to gain the favor of someone it would be Alexander, not Achilles, and even less after all the problems they had had during the construction of the bridge. Why would Meleager want to please his son?

 

— I don’t know –Achilles shrugged— I just know uncle Nick arrived with Eunike and said that, if I had killed my first man then I should also lay with my first woman.

 

Hephaistion remained silent not knowing what to do, but one thing was certain, he was definitely going to kill his brother.

 

But what worries me most here is to know how was that Nick convinced Meleager, if he convinced him and not just stole his mistress –thought the commander, believing his brother capable of anything.

 

— How old is she? –asked Hephaistion. The deed was done, the least he could do now was ask about her.

 

— 18 –answered Achilles smiling like a fool, remembering the sticking girl of long blond hair and big honeyed eyes.

 

I’m will not ask how was everything because is damn clear –thought the commander. His son had grown up very fast. 

 

— Aki, now is my turn to ask you something –said his father, catching his attention— Why did you leave Bagoas at Soghdiana? I thought you were going to bring him with us.

 

The Prince took a moment before answering, watching the fire as if expecting words to spring out magically from the heat.

 

— I don’t know how to say it but…I did not feel comfortable with him –before coming to India Achilles had began to think he had made a mistake with the eunuch, he had liked Bagoas since he saw him, and he still liked him, but it was very different to like someone from afar than to have to live with that person and see him every day— I like him but I like him better back at Soghdiana. 

 

Those words made his father immensely happy.

 

XXX

 

As soon as Hephaistion came back he was welcomed by an extremely happy Xsayarsa, singing and laughing alone and for apparently no reason, in a splendid mood that had Kyros fascinated because the eunuch hadn’t complained about anything in the last 2 days. But the commander’s shock after finding the happy version of Xsayarsa was nothing compared by his surprised watching in front of him the last visitor he would have expected: the Queen. Roxanne was waiting for him at his tent attended only by her maid, Parmys.

 

As always she looked spectacular: all covered in silk, this time, dark red with a necklace showing a big ruby. She had made her homework and knew this was the commander’s favorite color and tonight he was ready to please the same man that complicated so much her relationship with the King.

 

Hephaistion more puzzled than surprise when he found Roxanne there, on his favorite couch looking every inch the Queen she was. He had never talked to her alone and, even if he tried with all his forces to think why was the Queen here, he could not find an answer.  

 

Maybe she has a problem with Alex –he thought, feeling uncomfortable not only because of his dirty, sweaty cloths after riding for hours, but also thanks to the situation: Here they were the King’s wife and the King’s lover, and if indeed Roxanne had a problem with Alexander then the situation would be even more awkward. 

 

— What can I do for you, Roxanne? –asked the commander, taking a seat in front of her. 

 

Many things, you have no idea –thought the Queen but her young face betrayed none of her thoughts, not even her disappointment when Hephaistion made no attempts to sit at her side.

 

She turned delicately to Parmys and the servant served the commander a cup of the magnificent wine the Queen had brought with her. If she could get him drunk her task would be even easier. 

 

— I came to talk –answered Roxanne in her exotic Greek— We do not talk…often. 

 

Hephaistion drank the wine and welcome the warm sensation running down his throat after riding the whole day. He hadn’t eaten yet and maybe it was not a very good idea to drink such strong vintage and without water, but he was truly thirsty. 

 

— About what? –the Queen laughed musically, looking adorable and crossed her leg. Now that the commander paid her more attention he noticed her dressed was almost transparent, the silk so thin that he could clearly see her nipples and her voluptuous silhouette beneath. This was definitely making him very uncomfortable, not to mention that she was lying on THAT couch. 

 

— Why so serious? –Roxanne purred— You don’t enjoy my company? –she pouted.

 

— I did not mean to offend you –said Hephaistion trying with all his might to not look at her transparent dress.

 

What? I can be in love with my King but that doesn’t mean I do not feel like any other man, and let me tell you that Roxanne looked truly tempting that night.

 

— You don’t. I want to know you –said the Queen, reclining on the couch with a grace that many would kill to have and giving the commander a privilege view of her hips.

 

— There is not much to know –it was clear what Roxanne wanted and the commander could not be more dismayed.

 

I insist, why me? Why the Queen? Of all the people who ever claimed to like me, why has to be Alexander’s wife? –he thought, never imagining that this was nothing more than a very well calculated plan.

 

— But if it pleases you, we can always share a meal with the King and I will tell you whatever you want to know about me –he said and Roxanne cursed silently— But I have to warn you, my life is not very interesting.

 

— The King –she repeated, lowering her long eyelashes— He does not like me.

 

— He does, in his way –Hephaistion lied and the Queen looked him again.

 

— Sit with me –Roxanne commanded and for a brief moment she was sure the commander would obey because he approached her, but instead of doing as he was told, he took the Queen gently by the arm.

 

— I think is late and you need to rest –said Hephaistion with all courtesy but for Roxanne it was the same as if he had slapped her. No one had ever refused her before and this made the Queen blushed. The commander thought she was embarrassed but the truth was, she was furious.

 

Even so she managed to smile.

 

— Maybe you are right –Roxanne stood up— Good night, commander –she said coldly.

 

— Health to you, Roxanne.

 

XXX

 

By the time Parmys arrived at her mistress’ room Roxanne was done shouting and breaking things. Furious did not start to describe how the Queen was feeling in those moments. Hephaistion had humiliated her, treated her, his Queen, as a common whore and she was not going to forgive this insult anytime soon.

 

This is not the end –thought Roxanne, panting, her hair falling in front of her face in disheveled locks— I swear, you will hear from me again, Hephaistion.

 

— What?! –she exclaimed in a horrible mood when her eyes found Parmys, standing at the threshold.

 

Her servant bowed.

 

— Your highness, Peisandros is here with news –she said and her mistress took a deep breath, brushing her hair and smoothing her dress.

 

— Show him in.

 

In a moment the Queen’s mood changed like the weather, one moment a storm with thunders and lighting and now a beautiful day with the sun shinning in the sky and birds singing on every tree. Peisandros gave her the best of news, after bedding Xsayarsa, something that had not made the mercenary in the least happy, the eunuch told him the beautiful commander of dark gray eyes had slept with his own brother and, a few days ago, the King had bedded both sons of Amyntor.

 

Great news indeed –thought Roxanne with a big smile on her face, finally understanding why Alexander was in such a good mood 2 weeks ago— But now, what to do with this information? –she giggled.

 

XXX