Chapter 210

CHAPTER 210

 

Alexander wanted to march so fast to Susa where he had planned to celebrate, what soon became known, as the Mass Weddings; that someone would even think a terrible disaster was going to happen unless the King got married before March, judging by his hurry, but several things requiring his immediate attention detained Alexander in Persepolis against his will. Grumbling and complaining he had no other choice but to do what he hated the most: sit down and write a myriad of letters to practically everybody.

 

From his officers to the Persian nobles informing them about the marriages and to arrange the alliances. From Abulites, the satrap of Susa, to have everything ready at his arrival to Leonnatos recalling him after his brilliant victory against 6,000 Indians who had revolted as soon as they learned Alexander had gone into the Gedrosian desert. From Antipater to Olympias, and so on and so on...grumbling and complaining Alexander pressed his Macedonian seal ring with the star of the Argead against the still hot wax of letter and after letter when they were for his Macedonians or Greeks and Darius’ seal ring when he was writing to Persians or Asians, in what appeared to be an endless procession of clerks.  

 

Once again Achilles was helping his adopted father with his correspondence, even if he had promised Demetrius they would go out he couldn’t leave Alexander when he needed him the most. The Prince was used to write fast and was extremely careful with what was said in a letter, knowing perfectly well that the written word could be as dangerous as a sword in the wrong hands. But, even with Achilles’ help, or his numerous of clerks, there were letters only Alexander could answer, especially the ones coming from his mother, and so he had no choice but to sit with his adopted son, an army of clerks and Eumenes to write and dictate.

 

By now the Prince, the same as the entire staff of his adopted father, the servants and slaves with innocent faces but ears ready to pick up any gossip signal coming their way, already knew about the King’s plans for Mass Weddings and, contrary to what Alexander and Hephaistion had thought, he did not only agree with the idea, he encouraged them to do it.

 

— It will help to strengthen the relations with the Persians, I think is a good idea –had said Achilles a day before when he had heard the news from his fathers during dinner. Usually Alexander had numerous guests for dinner but not last night, he wanted time alone with his family, with what he considered his true family. 

 

— So, you are fine with the idea of both of us getting married with Darius’ daughters? –his father wanted to be sure. Last time Alexander had got married the boy had been truly shaken, not to mention Stateira and Drypetis were Cyrus Ochus’ sisters and, even if Achilles did not talk about it, the memory of his late friend still hurt his heart, like a thorn buried deep inside him, a wound that never healed.

 

But the Prince gave no signs of sadness and, even if his voice was calm and detach, someone may think even cold, Hephaistion could see his son was fine and was honest with them.

 

— Yes, of course. In fact, I think, you should find me a fiancée too. I am the Crown Prince and it will be a good idea to find me a marriage alliance –and Achilles meant every word. He was no longer that boy who had cried thinking the King would forget about him as soon as he was married to Roxanne and holding his own children in his arms, he was 14 years old and thinking like an adult.

 

No, he is thinking like a King –thought Hephaistion.

 

Alexander agreed it was a good idea to find his heir a marriage alliance but not now, he needed to think carefully and find a suitable bride; after all, it was his adopted son and nephew they were talking about! Seleucus had gone in person to tell Achilles he was also getting married at Susa, to a Persian noble named Apama daughter of Spitamenes (yes, the same Spitamenes who had revolted against Alexander at Sogdhiana and Bactria). The part the archihypaspistes, the commander of the Argyraspides, did not know was if the King had arranged his marriage because he was looking to honor him or because he wanted his son away from him. 

 

— Aren’t you jealous? –Seleucus wanted to know when he told Achilles the news of his upcoming marriage.

 

— Why should I? As long as I am concern you can do with your life as you please –that was half true. Even if the Prince, contrary to his father Hephaistion, was cold and practical and did not have that romantic notion of marriage Hephaistion had known with his own parents, he did care to what happened to the archihypaspistes and what he did with his life.

 

Seleucus smiled, knowing too well the Prince was hiding what he truly thought— The worst is I love him just the way he is. 

 

— Do you remember this garden? –asked the archihypaspistes, walking at the side of Achilles near the edge of the lake. It was a beautiful night, magical like that night years ago, the stars shining with force over them, the moon round and big like a pearl, even the cold was a blessing for Seleucus who suddenly felt transported to another time— The same full moon and the same smell of the grass in winter. It was also winter that night.

 

— You are too romantic for a man of action –the Prince complained but he was blushing. In a vain attempt to hide the pink on his cheeks he moved his hands closer to his mouth and breathed hot air into them, trying to get some warmth. But he did not fool the other— Who would have thought you remember the night we met? –Seleucus stopped and looked at him with a big smile that appeared to say “I win.”— What?

 

— So, you remember that night –Achilles opened and closed his mouth helplessly, like a fish out of the water, and blushed even more. The commander laughed without noise and kept walking— I must admit it was a surprise to find you alone tonight, where is your friend Demetrius? 

 

— Why do you ask? Are you jealous? –the Prince asked with a half smile, playing with him and Seleucus felt the sudden urge to kiss him and worship those lips that mocked him so shamelessly.

 

— Should I be?

 

— I don’t know –Achilles looked happy, he liked to tease the 32 years old archihypaspistes, to see the power he had over a man like him but, that was not all, he liked him, he truly liked him and desire him and only Seleucus’ hands made him tremble and moan with force.

 

The Prince knew Alexander and Hephaistion would love to see him with a lover his same age, like Demetrius, but he did not desire the page— Even if Dris does want me –and that reminded him of his other problem, but, he said nothing. 

 

Roxanne was beyond fury when she heard about the Mass Weddings; if her situation was bad when they came back from India, as her father had reminded her after a very long reprimand, now it was catastrophic. Stateira was by far a better match for Alexander than her, a true Princess of ancient Persian blood and impeccable ancestors, the worthy mother of a King. Roxanne knew she was in danger and that she should be happy to still have her head but she was not ready to give up.

 

— But, what can you do, your majesty? –asked Parmys at the Queen’s chambers.

 

— I don’t know yet but I have to do something –answered Roxanne, pacing around her room— I still have Perdikkas on my side and his resentment for the brat does nothing more than increase at each passing day. He is jealous of Seleucus and that is good. If Achilles never corresponds his feelings Perdikkas will be a very useful ally –the Queen mused— For now, all I can do is wait and keep my friends and informers close, that is my best weapon. For now.

 

And for the moment she did just that, but Roxanne was far from being defeated, you will see in time when I reach that part of my story. Now that I think of her I feel pity. Everything she ever wanted was to have a son on the throne and all she ever got was suffering. Yes, I pity her now.

 

— Sire, here is another letter from your mother –the royal secretary handed it to him and Alexander puffed his cheeks out.

 

Another one! –he took it and was going to break the wax seal when he saw Eumenes was still there— What’s he waiting? An invitation to sit down on my lap and read my mail? –he put the letter down.

 

— Do you mind? –the secretary said nothing and went back to his desk, grumbling and cursing under his breath. Before Achilles had taken control over the King’s correspondence he read almost every letter, knew what was going on and was in charge of answering in Alexander’s name. A lot of power but now…

 

It’s the fault of that man’s son –thought Eumenes furious, watching the Prince writing with all care with that beautiful calligraphy of his— I always knew Hephaistion was dangerous but never imagine how far he would go. Chiliarch! And his son heir to the throne, he even managed to make Alexander repudiate his Queen. All Hephaistion has to do is poison the King and he would be in control of everything. 

 

And speaking about the devil, Hephaistion chose that moment to appear, making the royal secretary pursed his lips and wrinkled his nose as if he were smelling shit. The now Chiliarch walked to the King’s side, making more than one head to lift and turn, following his movements, eyes caressing his body; and rested his back against the desk, bending over to see what was his lover reading. He was so used to be close to Alexander, so used to him and to read his correspondence, and to the very real fact that they had no secrets between them, that he did not stop to think of what he was going.

 

…Antipater, as always, knows nothing but likes to pretend he is wiser than all mighty Zeus. Since his victory against Sparta he thinks of himself as a greater conqueror than you, my son, and doesn’t lack of admires. Fools everyone of then but, thankfully, there are still people who knows him for what he is, people loyal to you and to me.

 

Antipater will become a danger to you, he has enjoyed supreme power for too long and you’ll be wise in removing him as soon as possible before he forgets you are the King. You have been away for too long my son and people tend to forget who dictates their fates. But enough about the old fool, there is other one who concerns me even more, if that is possible, other more powerful and infinitely more ingenious.

 

I know you are planning to name Hephaistion, Chiliarch, the second most important man in your Empire. Be wise, son; Hephaistion is only using you. His bastard is your heir, something I did not reprove entirely because Achilles is also your sister’s son, our blood, but this alone already gives Hephaistion enough power to become a threat to you. If you give him even more power, we have no idea of what he would be capable of.

 

Hephaistion once seduced the fool of Philip to gain a high position in the army, do not make the same mistake. We all know he is only where he is because of his ability to spread his legs. Fine! Use him, enjoy him, but don’t trust him with such a high command. Hephaistion can very well betray you at the first chance he has, even kill you, seducing you with the only useful weapon he has, his beauty. And what would stop him then from put his son on the throne and seized power as regent?

 

He can crown himself King! Laughing over your corpse…

 

That woman! –thought Hephaistion, feeling his blood burning in a blinding rage he rarely felt— How can she think I am capable of something like that? How can she ever think I would be able to kill Alexander?   

 

He turned to look at the King and Alexander turned to look at him at the same time, almost as if they had rehearsed, the purest surprise, indignation and fury shining his dark gray eyes. Hephaistion said without words everything he needed to say, everything he thought about this letter, letting his lover see in his eyes everything that was hidden in his heart— How could she? –thought the Chiliarch. He knew Olympias had always disliked him, but this? Who else thought like this? Who else believed him capable of something as despicable as this? 

 

Eumenes, watching them from his desk, was sure the King would rebuke his lover for reading his private correspondence, shout or dismiss him but, instead of that, instead of everything the secretary would have loved to witness, his King “took the ring from his own finger and applied its seal to Hephaistion's lips.” (1) That acted like magic and, in an instant Hephaistion felt better, he smiled sweetly at Alexander and the royal secretary felt nauseas.

 

XXX

 

Next day Hephaistion arrived at his room with one though in his head: finding the bracelets of white gold Alexander had given him years ago. He had Xsayarsa and Kyros helping him to search among his things, making a great disorder of books, cloths, weapons and all the imaginable, and unimaginable, things he had accumulated in so many years of campaign— Now that I think of this, I should have cleaned this mess ages ago.    

 

— And speaking about the bracelets, why is that you no longer use them? –asked Kyros, remembering how that the Chiliarch wore them always, even when he sleeping with them sometimes. Hephaistion smiled, looking inside a box with old letters a piece of fossilized bread.

 

— Well, it’s very simple. Alex had them made for me when I was 17 –answered the Chiliarch— I grew and they no longer fit me.

 

— A jeweler can fix that –Xsayarsa said, screaming with his high-pitched voice when a spider appeared among his patron’s old things. Kyros came to his rescue, killing the insect and disposing of the corpse. 

 

— I tried to do it once but I was informed that, in order to enlarge them, its necessary to melt them and technically remake them, and I have no heart to do that –answered Hephaistion, remembering the day Alexander gave him the bracelets.

 

— Do you like them?

— Of course I like them, I would have to be mad not to like them –answered Hephaistion—But how many times do I have to tell you, I don't like you spending money on me.

— How do you know I bought them? Maybe I stole them?…

 

Hephaistion smiled remembering that day— Alex, you have always been a crazy bastard –he thought happily.

 

— So, why do you want your bracelets now? –asked Kyros, coughing. A cloud of dust rose when Xsayarsa moved more boxes.

 

— You’ll see –answered the Chiliarch with a mysterious smile.

 

XXX

 

When Demetrius said they should do something Achilles imagined many things but this. Since he had become friends with Antigonus’ son he had also made friends with other boys, especially the pages, and for the first time in his life he had friends his own age doing normal things and getting in troubles like any other 14 years old boy, for his fathers’ absolutely delight. And everything was so perfect that, the last thing Achilles wanted, was to ruin the relationship with his new friends and so, he said nothing, keeping his mouth close, while Isidoros, the King’s page, talked.

 

Eight boys counting the Prince were there, outside the city, the youngest were 14 years old, like him, and the oldest 17. They were used to hang out together and Achilles liked them and had a lot of fun with them, reason why he saw with apprehension how Isidoros pointed at the front where a beekeeping farm could be seen.

 

— It’s a stupid game –complained Kittos, one of Hephaistion’s pages, a boy of black hair and dark eyes.

 

— You say that because you are scared –said Aias, he was the older one there with 17 years old and already a member of the Agema, the King’s personal guard.

 

— I am not! –Kittos complained but his voice trembled.

 

— It’s not big deal –said Isidoros, he would be 15 soon, a handsome boy with dark brown hair and pale blue eyes. He was very popular among the pages and Achilles couldn’t avoid admiring him. How could he do it? For him talking to boys his own age was as impossible as to fly, and he bet he would find easier a way to fly than one to be popular— We just have to run, still honey and come back.  

 

— And what about the bees? –asked Kittos, worried, looking at the beekeeping farm as if it were a slaughter house with blood dripping from the tables and a mad butcher with a rusty big knife in hand waiting for them.

 

— See? You are scared –Aias mocked him, imitating a hen and making the rest, with the exception of Achilles, laugh.

 

— Stop it!

 

— Who wins? –asked Demetrius excited.

 

— The one who manage to actually steal honey –said Isidoros— Or the one with fewer bites –that made them laugh— Of course bees are not the only problem, see –he pointed again— There are guards posted there and we’ll have be really fast to avoid been caught.

 

Achilles swallowed. He knew he was allergic to bees, he knew what had happened the last time he was bitten by them, he remembered perfectly the terror invading his body when he found himself incapable of breathing but…He looked around, they all were determined to do this and the last thing the Prince wanted was to be seen as a coward, he would not be able to stand their jokes and mockery.     

 

— This is going to be interesting –said Demetrius at his side.

 

Maybe I was just allergic while I was little –thought Achilles, taking a deep breath, hoping with all his forces to be fast enough to avoid been bitten.

 

— So, who goes first? –asked Isidoros.

 

XXX

 

By the time Alexander arrived at Hephaistion bedroom, after managing to escape from his clerks and Eumenes, as if these had been savage criminals who had kidnapped him looking for a ransom instead of his servants, the disorder had disappeared and a very happy Chiliarch was carefully arranging a beautiful box with a red cloth.

 

— What’s that? Is it for me? –asked the King, approaching him.

 

— No, it’s for my other lover –answered Hephaistion without looking at him.

 

— Haha –Alexander laughed without humor, standing at his side— Seriously, what is it?

 

— A present for Aki –the Chiliarch lifted his head to see his lover— I hope you won’t mind.

 

— Why would I mind? You are the one always complaining because I give Aki too many things –the King smiled— What are you giving him?

 

This time Hephaistion did not answer immediately, he knew he had to tell Alexander but that didn’t mean he knew what to say. At the end he decided it would be better to show him and pushed the box to him, encouraging him to open it. The King lifted his eyebrows when he saw what was inside.

 

— These are the bracelets I gave to you.

 

— Yes –the Chiliarch nodded— But you know they no longer fit me –he rested his head on the back of his hand, looking up at the King— If you don’t mind I will want Aki to have them, I think is a shame to have them gathering dust. 

 

Alexander closed the box, drumming the top with his fingers. He looked so serious that Hephaistion began to believe he was going to refuse— I should have thought this better –he reproached himself, but before he could open his mouth…

 

— You are right –said the King, smiling— I can’t think of a better solution…besides melting them, of course.

 

— Thank you –the Chiliarch took his hand— So, why are you here? 

 

— I want to talk to you about my mother’s letter –and that was enough to make Hephaistion feel as if a bucket of cold water had fallen over him.

 

— It’s not necessary.

 

— It is –the King pulled a chair to sit down at his side— Phai, my mother has no idea of what she is saying.

 

— Do you believe her?

 

— What?!

 

— Do you think I am capable of doing as she says? Of killing you and crown myself King? –the rational part of Hephaistion’ brain said Alexander would never believe that bunch of crap but, in his heart, he needed to hear it from his lover’s lips. He needed it!

 

He could be a strong man but even a veteran warrior like Hephaistion had his doubts, his insecurities, his fears. He had gained too much in very little time, he had reached the highest honors his kingdom granted, the admiration of his companions and his men, the respect of his enemies— But has ever crossed Alex’s mind that I could possibly want something more than his love? –that thought frightened him.

 

Alexander embraced him with force.

 

— Phai, not even for a moment I would think you are capable of something like that –he spoke with force against his hair, feeling his beloved relaxing in his arms— You know my mother has never liked you, the Gods know why, but you don’t have to pay her attention –he kissed his head— Don’t worry, I will deal with her.

 

Hephaistion nodded slowly, resting his head on the King’s shoulder— It’s so peaceful here –he thought sighing. He embraced his lover and then, he felt something under the King’s cloths.

 

— What is it?

 

The question curved Alexander’s lips in a mischievous smile. He moved away and, looking among his cloths, he gave Hephaistion a small jar with honey.

 

— What’s this?

 

— Well, I was bored and I remembered that you wanted to lick honey from my body so…—that made the Chiliarch laugh so hard that he was sure his guards outside should be wondering what the hell was wrong with him.

 

— You have problems.

 

— I have problems? It was your idea, genius –said Alexander and both laughed unable to stop.

 

XXX

 

Perdikkas was coming out from the royal residence, he had been summoned to deliver a report about the state of his hipparchy and had taken the opportunity to pay a visit to Roxanne. He knew everything that had happened between Roxanne and Alexander, he had heard the Queen had tried to kill Achilles but Perdikkas did not believe her capable of something like that— Phai must have been mistaken when he talked to Alexander –he thought— If they knew her, they would know she is a very sweet girl…and beautiful. I don’t know how is that Alexander has her so abandoned.

 

He liked Roxanne, not only as a friend but also a woman, but Stateira’s memory, Darius’s wife and sister, was enough to stop him from sleeping with the Queen. Even if the King no longer shared her bed she was still his wife and Perdikkas did not want more trouble than he already had— Or maybe I should sleep with Roxanne to get Aki out of my head –he was not used to be refused and ever since that day when Chrysaor had interrupted them…— But interrupted what exactly? What was I going to do?

 

Achilles was the son of Hephaistion, his friend since they were pages at the royal palace at Pella and he had been so close too…— Rape him? Yes, why am I lying to myself? That was what I wanted to do, rape him, bury himself in him, to feel him…—he shook his head, he shouldn’t be thinking like that. Maybe if Achilles wasn’t with Seleucus he would have already forgotten about him— But I can’t! Not knowing Aki is with him.

 

It was very simple; Perdikkas couldn’t stand Seleucus. Why? He did not even know the answer, the archihypaspistes was the kind of person the hipparch disliked and since day one he never liked him— And it burns my guts to know he is bedding Aki? —he was just leaving, lost in his darkest thoughts, when he saw a group of 7 boys running in his direction. At first he paid them no attention and was going to keep walking when he saw Demetrius carrying an Achilles fighting to breath on his back.

 

Perdikkas’ heart skipped a beat.

 

— What the hell happened here? –he asked in his commanding voice and Demetrius hurried to explain.

 

— We have no idea, sir…—he panted— We were near the… beekeeping farm and…a bee bite Achilles and… he stated to have problems breathing and…–Demetrius was truly scared and worried, not knowing what to do.

 

— Give me the Prince –Perdikkas carried Achilles— Go and fetch his doctor.

 

— Yes, sir –and Demetrius left running.

 

— And you –the hipparch said to Isidoros and Kittos, who looked as pale as Achilles— Called the King and the Chiliarch.

 

— Yes, sir.

 

XXX

 

By the time Hephaistion arrived at his son’s bedroom Achilles was much better, breathing normally and resting in his bed and the doctor was talking to Perdikkas, explaining him the situation.

 

— I came as fast as I could –said the Chiliarch without breath, approaching them— Where is Aki?

 

— Resting –answered Perdikkas— The doctor is telling me a bee bit him –judging by his tone of voice the hipparch thought this was as absurd as to say a flying cow had been sighted over Persepolis. Who had ever heard of a bee capable to making a person stop breathing? 

 

— Kittos told me but…what the hell was Aki doing in a beekeeping farm? He knows he can’t be near those animals? –that caught the hipparch’s attention, Hephaistion looked truly concerned, did he believe the doctor?

 

— Why not? Phai, they are just bees.

 

— Aki is allergic to bees –explained Hephaistion, telling Perdikkas what had happened last time his son was bitten by bees, when Alexander arrived. 

 

— How is he? –asked the King, as worried as his beloved.

 

— He is fine, sire –answered the Egyptian doctor, approaching them— Only one bee bit him and I already took the sting out. I gave him an antidote normally used against poisons. The Prince was lucky, if more bees had bitten him…—he shook his head.

 

— Can we see him? –asked Hephaistion and the doctor nodded.

 

XXX

 

— Aki, just what the hell were you doing in a beekeeping farm? –Alexander scolded him, after making sure his adopted son was fine— You know perfectly well you can’t be near bees.

 

— I know, I am sorry –the Prince apologized, feeling like fool and not daring to face his fathers— It was just that…they were…I did not want to be seen as a coward and they all were doing it. We had to run and steal honey and I though I would be able to run fast enough to avoid the bees but…

 

— Are you out of your mind?! –exclaimed Alexander before Hephaistion could open his mouth and exclaimed his indignation in exactly the same words. His royal vein popping out— Aki, you could have died, do you understand this? And all for what? For a stupid game! –now he was shouting— I know you have problems making friends and I understand you want to fit in but this was reckless and stupid. You care so much for what your friends think but, did you stop to consider what would be of us if you die, DID YOU? 

 

— I am sorry –sobbed the Prince, one step to start crying.

 

— You better be! You always act as if you were smarter than my entire staff but today you behaved like a foolish boy. If you want to be King the first thing you need to learn is to be responsible for your actions. How the hell do you expect to take care of an Empire if you can’t take care of yourself? –Achilles did not dare to look at him, he kept holding his blankets with force— How do you expect to command men to their death if you don’t value your own life? Did you think about it? Of course not! You were too busy trying to impress your friends –Alexander kept pacing around— A King can’t act just to please his friends, you have to learn when to say ‘no.’ Are you listening?

 

— Yes, father.

 

—You are grounded, Achilles –said the King, redefining the word furious, moving his index finger in front of his adopted son— And next time you have another wonderful idea like this, I will make sure you will regret the day you were born. Do you understand?

 

— Yes, father.

 

Hephaistion said nothing. Usually he would say something in his son’s defense but now he had no defense. He agreed with Alexander in everything he had said, he was angry too but he also pitied Achilles— He wants so desperately to have friends that he risked his life for this; but he had to learn that not everything is about pleasing others, and as Alex said, especially if he is going to be King one day.

 

A smile curved his lips while remembering his lover’s words— I may agree with Alex said but, I have to admit that he is reckless too, after all, who was the one who jumped into the Cydnus River because it was a hot day? –but the Chiliarch decided to say nothing— They are more alike than they think. 

 

XXX

 

(1) Plutarch, Life of Alexander 39.5