This story was a response to a challenge from Nicky (again!) and it did not, in the end, turn out the way I expected. I'm not sure if I like it or not, but I wrote it so I'll own it
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Thanks for the comments, I'm pleased you enjoyed it. I wanted to show Philip's human side, so I'm glad that came through. I think he tends to be presented in some quite unsympathetic ways in fiction, but I rather like him. Poor Philip indeed - and not just with regards to what loves he might have lost. With Olympias for a wife and son like Alexander, and then an expanding kingdom to hold together on top of that, he must have had his work cut out for him!
I don't think I was planning this when I wrote it, but perhaps the fact that we know that the relationship between Alexander and Hephaistion is going to survive all the pressures of Alexander's kingship illustrates a difference between father and son here. Philip felt constrained by political necessity to give up Pausanias in spite of his personal feelings. Alexander was no less a king, but whatever sacrifices he makes we know that love and personal loyalties will not be among them.
And yes, that story with Thais is one of a couple of things I'm currently working on - thanks for the suggestion. ;)
I don't think I was planning this when I wrote it, but perhaps the fact that we know that the relationship between Alexander and Hephaistion is going to survive all the pressures of Alexander's kingship illustrates a difference between father and son here. Philip felt constrained by political necessity to give up Pausanias in spite of his personal feelings. Alexander was no less a king, but whatever sacrifices he makes we know that love and personal loyalties will not be among them.
And yes, that story with Thais is one of a couple of things I'm currently working on - thanks for the suggestion. ;)
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