I Marry For Love - Chapter 1
Alexander/Hephaistion Fanfic
Title: I Marry For Love
Rating: PG-13 (for now)
Warnings: Slash, implied tortue, talk of rape and war crimes
Summary: A different take on why Alexander married Roxanne.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters - except for the plot device characters that I made up - and get no monentary profit from this. For fun, not profit.
Title: I Marry for Love
Chapter 1
Alexander half listened as one of the Persian nobles rambled in his ear. He tried to listen, but his eyes constantly slid to Hephaistion. The dark haired general stood on the far side of the room talking with Ptolemy and two Persian nobles. He looked exquisite in the blue robes. Put together with the kohl, Hephaistion’s eyes shone from across the room like two sapphires. No, those cold stones were not worthy of the comparison. The blue orbs of his lover were lit from within by compassion and the beauty of his soul.
At a pause in the conversation, Alexander quickly excused himself. Walking to a door, he let himself out onto the balcony. The cool night air refreshed him. Inside it grew too hot from so many bodies. His companions, many of the commanders and scores of Persian nobles filled the banquet hall. Normally, he would be in the midst of the crowd, leading here too.
Tonight, though, he longed only for a quiet room and his beautiful lover. How soon would he be able to retire for the night without giving offense? Alexander returned to the hall before he would be missed. Sweeping the room, he saw Hephaistion surrounded by even more Persians. The general was speaking earnestly with several of the nobles. He was garnering many impressed looks from the Persians listening.
And rightly so. Hephaistion had a brilliant mind for solving problems and devising compromises that pleased all parties. His younger companions may not honor such talents as they did victory in battle, but they were forced to acknowledge the importance of them from time to time.
Alexander also noticed the admiring looks. He tensed when a bold lord reached out to stroke Hephaistion’s arm. His lover subtly removed the hand and kept talking. The nobleman did not seem offended, but neither did he seem put off. Instead he moved to stand closer to Hephaistion, trying to brush up against his side. Alexander was didn’t know if the man was trying to seduce his lover, ingratiate himself or if he was just a fool.
The story of his meeting with Darius’ wife had spread like wildfire. By now, all the Persians knew that Hephaistion was a part of Alexander. He was, in fact, the most dear and beloved part of himself. Not that they knew it, but it was clear that Hephaistion belonged at his side and no one else’s.
With a gesture he summoned Pharnakes to his side and began grilling his ally about the nobleman, Lord Firouz. He owned fertile lands and supplied grain for the army and Babylon. He also had a pronounced desire for the beautiful, young eunuchs in Darius’ harem. Firouz had held a position of favor with the Great King and had been granted free access to the harem.
Alexander let the other man wander away, still unsure about to think about Firouz’s actions. Clearly he meant to either try to seduce Hephaistion as a lover or use him to gain favor in Alexander’s court. He kept an eye on his lover as he moved through the throng, stopping to talk at the different circles. When everyone sat to eat the feast, he felt the growing tension in him relax.
Hephaistion sat to his right between some nobleman and Cleitus. Alexander was relieved to see the two generals laughing and talking companionably. Cleitus was one of the old guard, and so more able to appreciate the need for a man of Hephaistion's talents, but the older man’s temper could flare with little provocation. Especially when he had been drinking as he had tonight and was surrounded by the foreigners he despised.
After the dishes and tables were cleared away, Alexander was dismayed to see Lord Firouz making his way slowly to his lover’s side once more. He kept a sharp eye on the pair, ignoring the entertainment that had been arranged for him and the others. Because of this he caught the moment when Firouz took Hephaistion's cup and handed it to a servant to be filled. Returning the cup, the Persian slipped something in it.
Alexander stood abruptly, watching his beloved Hephaistion drink a long sip. He opened his mouth in silent horror. Those not gone with drink were staring at him. When Hephaistion finished drinking and continued with his conversation, Alexander fell back into his seat. Had he imagined it? Had he had that much wine? Almost convinced that he imagined the incident, he continued to watch his lover closely.
After several minutes had passed by, he became more convinced that it had been his imagination. Hephaistion seemed fine. With one eye still on his love, Alexander turned his attention to the conversation that had been going on around him.
It was perhaps half an hour later when Hephaistion began to sway where he stood talking. Alexander caught the change and focused all his attention back on his lover. Hephaistion had a confused look on his face and seemed to be having trouble focusing. Firouz slid an arm about his waist for support as he lost his balance. Alexander frowned. He motioned for Ptolemy and Nearchus, two of his more sober companions. He quickly gave them orders to see Hephaistion to his quarters and detain Lord Firouz.
With a subtle gesture he summoned one of the pages to his side. It was Egidio, one of Hephaistion’s pages. He whispered instructions to go fetch Glaukos and bring him to his chambers, while making it look as if he was hearing a message from the boy. He turned to the men gathered around him. “If you’ll excuse me, I have some urgent business that needs attending.” Alexander turned and walked with deliberate calm from the hall.
Once the doors closed, he raced down the corridors to his chambers. The guards outside opened the door quickly and assured him that Hephaistion was inside. He found Ptolemy bent over the other man who was sprawled on the bed. “Hephaistion, say something. Come on, open your eyes and look at me. Alexander,” he said with a glance over his shoulder, “he’s breathing, otherwise he seems as one dead.”
The words were not a comfort to Alexander who flew to Hephaistion’s side. He joined Ptolemy, trying desperately to wring a response from the unconscious man. Even when Hephaistion was stone drunk he put up a fight, not wanting to be fussed over. Egidio finally arrived with Glaukos in tow. Ptolemy moved away from the bed to make room for the physician, but Alexander refused to shift even an inch.
Nearchus entered with Pharnakes to report that Lord Firouz had been placed under arrest. While Alexander gave instructions for his questioning, Pharnakes drifted to the bedside. He watched as Glaukos checked the General’s vital signs and tried different methods to elicit a response.
Hesitantly he turned to the king. “Great King, I believe that I may know what was used on General Hephaistion. There is liquid that can, in small amounts, paralyze a man, or in larger amounts cause unnatural sleep or death.”
At the word ‘death’ Alexander lost control. “What?!” he screamed, frantically checking to see if Hephaistion still drew breath. Reassured for the moment, he turned to Nearchus with new orders, a hand over Hephaistion’s heart. “Find out how much was given to Hephaistion and why. Use any means that you must. Go with him,” he ordered glancing to Pharnakes. “Report to me immediately when you uncover any important information.”
He then turned to Egidio and Bagoas, who were hovering near the door. “You two, fetch Glaukos anything that he requires - ANYTHING! Wake more pages if necessary.”
Alexander then turned his eyes back to his lover. He was so still and pale, that Alexander’s heart clenched painfully in his chest. The next several hours were spent willing each breath to come. They had given up hope of rousing Hephaistion. Alexander’s muscles were cramping, but he refused to move. What if he looked away and Hephaistion stopped breathing? As long as he was watching, everything would be fine.
He didn’t so much as glance at Nearchus and Pharnakes when they returned, each covered with a fair amount of blood. Lord Firouz had not given Hephaistion a lethal dose, just enough to put him out for several days. The plan was to kidnap him on the night of the feast, when he would not be missed until morning or later. He was to be taken to Giulaza, where Lord Keyumars planned to use him as a hostage. The Lord wanted freedom from all kings and was willing to secure it at any price.
When there was an awkward pause, Alexander looked up at them sharply. He knew that they were leaving something out and shouted at them to tell him what it was. Nearchus looked down and said in a quiet voice, “Apparently Keyumars has a taste for men. He wanted to try the man that could hold a king enthralled for so many years. Firouz said that he was quite eager to take Hephaistion and wondered how much he could demand with threats against him.”
Alexander saw red. ‘Take’ his Hephaistion! Not even his father had dared such a thing. Clutching his lover against his chest, he ordered scouts be sent out to Giulaza immediately. Keyumars would pay for the injury done Hephaistion and for his audacity. He then ordered the others out of his presence.
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TBC
Title: I Marry For Love
Rating: PG-13 (for now)
Warnings: Slash, implied tortue, talk of rape and war crimes
Summary: A different take on why Alexander married Roxanne.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters - except for the plot device characters that I made up - and get no monentary profit from this. For fun, not profit.
Title: I Marry for Love
Chapter 1
Alexander half listened as one of the Persian nobles rambled in his ear. He tried to listen, but his eyes constantly slid to Hephaistion. The dark haired general stood on the far side of the room talking with Ptolemy and two Persian nobles. He looked exquisite in the blue robes. Put together with the kohl, Hephaistion’s eyes shone from across the room like two sapphires. No, those cold stones were not worthy of the comparison. The blue orbs of his lover were lit from within by compassion and the beauty of his soul.
At a pause in the conversation, Alexander quickly excused himself. Walking to a door, he let himself out onto the balcony. The cool night air refreshed him. Inside it grew too hot from so many bodies. His companions, many of the commanders and scores of Persian nobles filled the banquet hall. Normally, he would be in the midst of the crowd, leading here too.
Tonight, though, he longed only for a quiet room and his beautiful lover. How soon would he be able to retire for the night without giving offense? Alexander returned to the hall before he would be missed. Sweeping the room, he saw Hephaistion surrounded by even more Persians. The general was speaking earnestly with several of the nobles. He was garnering many impressed looks from the Persians listening.
And rightly so. Hephaistion had a brilliant mind for solving problems and devising compromises that pleased all parties. His younger companions may not honor such talents as they did victory in battle, but they were forced to acknowledge the importance of them from time to time.
Alexander also noticed the admiring looks. He tensed when a bold lord reached out to stroke Hephaistion’s arm. His lover subtly removed the hand and kept talking. The nobleman did not seem offended, but neither did he seem put off. Instead he moved to stand closer to Hephaistion, trying to brush up against his side. Alexander was didn’t know if the man was trying to seduce his lover, ingratiate himself or if he was just a fool.
The story of his meeting with Darius’ wife had spread like wildfire. By now, all the Persians knew that Hephaistion was a part of Alexander. He was, in fact, the most dear and beloved part of himself. Not that they knew it, but it was clear that Hephaistion belonged at his side and no one else’s.
With a gesture he summoned Pharnakes to his side and began grilling his ally about the nobleman, Lord Firouz. He owned fertile lands and supplied grain for the army and Babylon. He also had a pronounced desire for the beautiful, young eunuchs in Darius’ harem. Firouz had held a position of favor with the Great King and had been granted free access to the harem.
Alexander let the other man wander away, still unsure about to think about Firouz’s actions. Clearly he meant to either try to seduce Hephaistion as a lover or use him to gain favor in Alexander’s court. He kept an eye on his lover as he moved through the throng, stopping to talk at the different circles. When everyone sat to eat the feast, he felt the growing tension in him relax.
Hephaistion sat to his right between some nobleman and Cleitus. Alexander was relieved to see the two generals laughing and talking companionably. Cleitus was one of the old guard, and so more able to appreciate the need for a man of Hephaistion's talents, but the older man’s temper could flare with little provocation. Especially when he had been drinking as he had tonight and was surrounded by the foreigners he despised.
After the dishes and tables were cleared away, Alexander was dismayed to see Lord Firouz making his way slowly to his lover’s side once more. He kept a sharp eye on the pair, ignoring the entertainment that had been arranged for him and the others. Because of this he caught the moment when Firouz took Hephaistion's cup and handed it to a servant to be filled. Returning the cup, the Persian slipped something in it.
Alexander stood abruptly, watching his beloved Hephaistion drink a long sip. He opened his mouth in silent horror. Those not gone with drink were staring at him. When Hephaistion finished drinking and continued with his conversation, Alexander fell back into his seat. Had he imagined it? Had he had that much wine? Almost convinced that he imagined the incident, he continued to watch his lover closely.
After several minutes had passed by, he became more convinced that it had been his imagination. Hephaistion seemed fine. With one eye still on his love, Alexander turned his attention to the conversation that had been going on around him.
It was perhaps half an hour later when Hephaistion began to sway where he stood talking. Alexander caught the change and focused all his attention back on his lover. Hephaistion had a confused look on his face and seemed to be having trouble focusing. Firouz slid an arm about his waist for support as he lost his balance. Alexander frowned. He motioned for Ptolemy and Nearchus, two of his more sober companions. He quickly gave them orders to see Hephaistion to his quarters and detain Lord Firouz.
With a subtle gesture he summoned one of the pages to his side. It was Egidio, one of Hephaistion’s pages. He whispered instructions to go fetch Glaukos and bring him to his chambers, while making it look as if he was hearing a message from the boy. He turned to the men gathered around him. “If you’ll excuse me, I have some urgent business that needs attending.” Alexander turned and walked with deliberate calm from the hall.
Once the doors closed, he raced down the corridors to his chambers. The guards outside opened the door quickly and assured him that Hephaistion was inside. He found Ptolemy bent over the other man who was sprawled on the bed. “Hephaistion, say something. Come on, open your eyes and look at me. Alexander,” he said with a glance over his shoulder, “he’s breathing, otherwise he seems as one dead.”
The words were not a comfort to Alexander who flew to Hephaistion’s side. He joined Ptolemy, trying desperately to wring a response from the unconscious man. Even when Hephaistion was stone drunk he put up a fight, not wanting to be fussed over. Egidio finally arrived with Glaukos in tow. Ptolemy moved away from the bed to make room for the physician, but Alexander refused to shift even an inch.
Nearchus entered with Pharnakes to report that Lord Firouz had been placed under arrest. While Alexander gave instructions for his questioning, Pharnakes drifted to the bedside. He watched as Glaukos checked the General’s vital signs and tried different methods to elicit a response.
Hesitantly he turned to the king. “Great King, I believe that I may know what was used on General Hephaistion. There is liquid that can, in small amounts, paralyze a man, or in larger amounts cause unnatural sleep or death.”
At the word ‘death’ Alexander lost control. “What?!” he screamed, frantically checking to see if Hephaistion still drew breath. Reassured for the moment, he turned to Nearchus with new orders, a hand over Hephaistion’s heart. “Find out how much was given to Hephaistion and why. Use any means that you must. Go with him,” he ordered glancing to Pharnakes. “Report to me immediately when you uncover any important information.”
He then turned to Egidio and Bagoas, who were hovering near the door. “You two, fetch Glaukos anything that he requires - ANYTHING! Wake more pages if necessary.”
Alexander then turned his eyes back to his lover. He was so still and pale, that Alexander’s heart clenched painfully in his chest. The next several hours were spent willing each breath to come. They had given up hope of rousing Hephaistion. Alexander’s muscles were cramping, but he refused to move. What if he looked away and Hephaistion stopped breathing? As long as he was watching, everything would be fine.
He didn’t so much as glance at Nearchus and Pharnakes when they returned, each covered with a fair amount of blood. Lord Firouz had not given Hephaistion a lethal dose, just enough to put him out for several days. The plan was to kidnap him on the night of the feast, when he would not be missed until morning or later. He was to be taken to Giulaza, where Lord Keyumars planned to use him as a hostage. The Lord wanted freedom from all kings and was willing to secure it at any price.
When there was an awkward pause, Alexander looked up at them sharply. He knew that they were leaving something out and shouted at them to tell him what it was. Nearchus looked down and said in a quiet voice, “Apparently Keyumars has a taste for men. He wanted to try the man that could hold a king enthralled for so many years. Firouz said that he was quite eager to take Hephaistion and wondered how much he could demand with threats against him.”
Alexander saw red. ‘Take’ his Hephaistion! Not even his father had dared such a thing. Clutching his lover against his chest, he ordered scouts be sent out to Giulaza immediately. Keyumars would pay for the injury done Hephaistion and for his audacity. He then ordered the others out of his presence.
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TBC