Alexander already knew that his father had discovered his plans to marry the Carian princess, in so doing beating his brother to a bride and hopefully making a match to help them to gain a foothold in Persia.

The information had not come from his mother, who sent repeated letters from Dodona, where she lived in exile, even the fastest messenger took days to reach Pella.

His servant had told him, the man informed by a palace servant, who had heard the king's voice, shouting in his rooms, his baritone words carrying down the hallways.

As soon as he heard he went to his father, only to have his way blocked by Cleitus and his father's guard, Cleitus putting his hand upon his shoulder and advising him it might be for the best to wait until his father sent for him - unless he wanted exile once more.

He had withdrawn back to his rooms, sitting with Hephaistion, Ptolemy, Perdiccas and Seleucus, noting the absence of Philotas, the only other who had shared the secret, who now seemed not to care to spend his leisure with them.

It was a silent gathering, each man looking to Hephaistion who had been the only one to object to the proposal, laughed down at the time for being a jealous lover, but now seen as a better diplomat than the rest of them put together.

Hephaistion kept his own counsel, saying nothing in reproach, prepared to suffer any punishment with the rest.

"Exile wouldn't be so bad, at least the weather's warmer now," said Seleucus.

Ptolemy sighed and shook his head, looking sympathetically at Alexander. "He won't exile you, he needs an heir," he said, though his tone did not hold much conviction in it. Philip's wife Eurydice had given him a girl but was due to give birth once more and the seers had confirmed it would be a boy.

Alexander did not reply, he lay back upon the couch, resting his head on Hephaistion's lap, turning his dagger in his hand, apparently distracted by the ornate carvings on the hilt.

"Two days waiting," Perdiccas said, needlessly, "I think this waiting is punishment enough".

"He might still want you to marry the princess, he might think it was a better idea...than his own, he..." Seleucus faltered to a halt and rested his head back on a cushion.

"You are his only viable heir, there won't be any exile for you," Hephaistion said, "not this time. Though I think the rest of us would be wise to pack our bags, he will think we are a bad influence and want us out of Pella." Alexander clasped Hephaistion's wrist and Hephaistion smiled down at him. "I don't want to be parted either but I won't go far and I will find a way to get messages to you," he whispered.

Footsteps were heard along the hallway and all gathered in the room were on their feet by the time the door opened and Cleitus walked in, not able to hide a smile.

"Your father wants to see you, Alexander...and the rest of you. Follow me."

Cleitus turned away and led the way through the palace to the place where Philip held his war counsels; did most of his administration work. Scribes and officers normally filled the room when his father was there so it was strange to see it empty, except for his father...except for Philotas who stepped back as if he wished to hide himself.

"At least you know he can't be trusted," Ptolemy whispered to Alexander as they came before his father.

Cleitus stood at the door, his arms folded across his chest. He spoke to one of the guard who nodded his understanding of whatever order he had been given and hurried away.

Alexander knew better than to speak first, even now it was a waiting game. He looked to his right to see Hephaistion by his side, glad to see him there, knowing he could bear any punishment if they were together at the end.

"Educated by Aristotle," Philip said, spitting on the marble floor in his disgust. "An expensive education obviously makes you think you know better than me, that you should offer yourself in marriage to some practically worthless Carian princess who makes no difference to anything." He turned back to his desk, feigning interest in some maps upon it.

Philotas chewed his lip, tried to disguise how uncomfortable he was at having been found out, that everybody knew he had gone to the king and told him what was being planned.

Philip turned back to step before his son. "What do you have to say for yourself?"

"That it was my idea alone," Alexander replied, "the rest should not be here because they tried to talk me out of it."

Philip laughed, a mocking laugh, not believing a word. "I know it all, Alexander, that all agreed to the plan, except for Hephaistion." Philip held his gaze upon his son, while everyone else looked to Philotas. "I think I should keep you close to me, Alexander. Then if you get any clever ideas perhaps you will consult me first."

"It was a mistake and I apologise for it."

"I should think you will," Philip shouted, "and you will apologise in front of the entire court when I have Thettalus brought here in chains."

The king turned away, returned to his desk, resting his hands on it, then pushed himself up and turned again, sighing deeply, pausing before he spoke. "I am exiling all of your companions, except for Hephaistion, they will leave Pella immediately, before the sun sets."

"Do not punish them for my mistake, it was my decision finally, Father, my error of judgement," Alexander said, stepping forward, aware of Hephaistion reaching for his arm, pulling him back. Hephaistion was wiser, knowing it was useless to try to argue against a decision once his father had made it.

As he calmed himself, as he looked to his companions, he saw Alkaios, an Athenian ambassador enter the room, walking with his head up towards Philip a satisfied smile upon his face.

Ptolemy, Seleucus and Perdiccas were dismissed, sent to the barracks to fetch their things, told not to return to the palace. Alexander and Hephaistion had only a moment for a brief farewell with them before they left the room. Philotas went with them but hurried the other way without saying a word.

Philip turned to the ambassador. "Well, what do you think, Alkaios? He is of noble stock." He was pointing at Hephaistion.

Alkaios smiled and nodded his head. "I would welcome the match because you recommend the boy, Philip."

"What are you doing," Alexander challenged, stepping forward once more.

Philip smiled. "I am arranging a marriage. You are not the only one who can, you know. A marriage between Hephaistion and Alkaios' youngest daughter, Pelagia." He turned back to his Athenian guest. "Will two days be enough for preparations? I know you plan to return to Athens soon."

Alexander turned to Hephaistion, who appeared to be stunned by the news, turning to look upon him, his face pale."

"We can have the marriage take place the day after tomorrow," Alkaios said, "the proaulia will take place tomorrow, Pelagia is aware she will be taking a husband and has already begun preparations for the wedding with her mother and older sister. I am anxious to get back to Athens, but Pelagia will stay with her new husband, you say the boy has duties in the army..."

Philip clapped his hands together, then embraced Alkaios before turning to Alexander.

"Hephaistion will marry, and you will end the relationship you have with him right now, you're almost twenty, both of you, it's time to put such things aside."

"Like you have?" Alexander snapped. "You cannot order Hephaistion to marry like this, he is no slave to be sold to the highest bidder..."

"I have every right," screamed Philip, stepping forward as if he might strike out, but Cleitus came between the two and pushed Alexander away. "And you will stand beside him as he marries, that's an order, then only go near him if you have a battle plan to discuss or when his bride is present."

"Make yourself scarce, Alexander," Cleitus warned, "you'll not stop anything, just learn to live with it".

"He cannot take Hephaistion from me," Alexander replied, aware Hephaistion was following, intending to come with him."

"Hephaistion stay here," Philip called.

Hephaistion's footsteps faltered and he turned back towards the king.

Cleitus pushed Alexander from the room, waiting until the guards closed the doors, then before Alexander could do anything he turned him so his back was against the wall, and clasped his head in his hands, making him focus on him. "He might have ordered an execution of all your companions just two days ago, I've never seen him so angry, so let down by you, Alexander. If Antipater had not spoken to him, calmed him, then you could be mourning right now."

"But to force Hephaistion to marry..."

Cleitus shook him, knocking his head back against the wall. "He might have been killed for this. Your father will come round, he always does eventually, but accept this, there is nothing you can do to change it. Give it time, you will get to see Hephaistion at a symposium, you can spend some time together then, and your father will not oppose it by that time, he would have forgotten his anger."

Alexander felt sick, he turned to look towards the closed doors wondering what was being said beyond them.

OOXXOO

Hephaistion felt numb as he turned to face his king and Alkaios, he forced himself to hold his head up high while wondering what Alexander was doing, half wishing he could follow his other companions in to exile.

"Your father is dead, Hephaistion. Having raised you here I have the right to arrange a marriage for you, and you have done well by it, I promise you that."

Wanting to argue but not sure if he could deny the king, only knowing what his heart desired, Hephaistion stayed quiet.

Philip looked uncomfortable and turned to Alkaios. "You should tell him of the dowry Pelagia brings with her."

Alkaios stepped forward, openly assessing Hephaistion now, smiling as if pleased with his purchase. "A house, Hephaistion. I have purchased a house, here in Pella, for you and Pelagia to live in, and I have provided two servants from my own household, Pelagia's former nurse, Aspasia, and her nephew, Phokas, who will be loyal to you now." He turned back to Philip and smiled. "Pelagia can be a little wilful, but she is pleasing to the eye, you will make a handsome couple."

Hephaistion took a breath then looked to the king. "I never thought to marry so young," he said, "I am not yet twenty. If Pelagia is so pleasing, then cannot another suitor be found? I am a metic as far as any Athenian is concerned, not worthy of marrying an Athenian girl."

As he spoke he saw Philip's face redden, he was only provoking an anger that would see him worse off if he protested further.

Alkaios stepped forward. "I am honoured that my daughter should have a Macedonian husband, Hephaistion, and she will live here, at Pella, with you."

With a look to his king, seeing the anger about to explode, Hephaistion bowed low. "Then, I will be happy to marry Pelagia and thank you for her dowry, for your kindness. I hope I make a worthy son-in-law," he said, trying to remain calm while he fought back his own frustration, straightening himself up, his mind screaming that Alexander was lost to him now.

Again the thought came to him that he should hurry to the barracks, pack his things and go but still Alexander would be no part of his life and by running he would never see him again, not even across a crowded banquet room.

He watched while Philip and Alkaios shook hands, smiling at each other, finalising details which he could not focus on. The doors opened and he took a deep breath of the cool air that rushed in, feeling numb as he followed the two men who had sealed his fate, seeing Alexander standing waiting for him.

Not caring, Hephaistion went to him and threw his arms around him in an embrace. "Oh, Alexander," he murmured, closing his eyes and wishing Alexander had never heard of the Carian princess.

Alexander said nothing but pulled him in to a tighter embrace before letting him go. Hephaistion opened his eyes to see Alexander looking over his shoulder, he turned to see Philip's disapproving glare.

"The guards will know not to let Hephaistion in to your rooms, Alexander," Philip said, his voice cold.

Not even an embrace would be tolerated.

"I've had your things taken from the barracks to your house, you might as well get settled in. Alkaios will take you there now, it will give you the chance to know each other." Philip nodded his head as a signal for them to go, then turned towards his son. "And you can come with me and start showing me your worth," he said.

OOXXOO

Ptolemy was just securing a bag to a pack horse as Hephaistion found him at the barracks, Seleucus appeared carrying his shield and helmet, calling back to Perdiccas.

"Where will you go?" Hephaistion asked, putting a hand up to stroke the horse's neck.

Ptolemy shrugged his shoulders and turned to smile at him. "Same as before, back home, though Perdiccas and Seleucus are heading to his uncle's house. My place is not so far from here and though we are exiled it is just from Pella, not the rest of Macedonia."

Seleucus asked Ptolemy where best to put his shield, while Perdiccas came over and put his arm around Hephaistion's shoulders. "It's not so bad, it's happened before, and this time you get to stay and comfort our wayward prince."

Hephaistion swallowed hard. "I am to marry in two days time."

Seleucus and Ptolemy stopped their bickering about the shield and Perdiccas' arm fell from his shoulder as he stepped in front of him, to gaze on him and see if he was joking or not."

Ptolemy opened his mouth to speak, but no words would come.

"Who? Why?"

"The second daughter of the Athenian ambassador, Alkaios. He has just shown me the house we will share, that is her dowry."

"Do you know the girl?" Perdiccas asked.

Hephaistion shook his head. "Alexander and I cannot be together, on the king's orders...not alone."

"So he's marrying you off to the first girl available," Ptolemy said, his anger rising. "Then come with us, Hephaistion, fetch your horse, your things and come with us right away."

"I thought of it," Hephaistion replied, forcing a smile, "I thought I would, especially just now when he showed me the house, when I stepped in to the small courtyard and turned to see the gates behind me, I felt as if I were stepping in to a trap..."

Perdiccas embraced him tightly.

"But if I went with you, Philip would send the guard after me. He has ordered me to marry and there is nothing I can do but stay and follow those orders."

"Where is Alexander now?" Ptolemy asked.

"With his father."

There was a silence, when Perdiccas broke his embrace, Seleucus stepped forward to take his place, then Ptolemy.

Ptolemy looked up at the sun sinking in the sky. "We have to go, Hephaistion, we were ordered to leave before the sun sets."

"We won't be there to drink at your wedding," Perdiccas said.

"You did nothing wrong and got the worst punishment," Seleucus added.

"Let's hope she's a pretty one," Ptolemy laughed, though the laughter did not quite reach his eyes.

They fetched their horses and Hephaistion passed the lead rope for the pack horse to Ptolemy.

"If things get too bad, Hephaistion, you know where to find us. If we have to run together, from Philip, then we will," said Ptolemy.

Hephaistion smiled, then waved them farewell and watched them ride from sight. He headed over to the barracks building, along the hallway to his room, opening the door and stepping inside, closing the door behind him. His things had gone but the bed was still there. He lay down upon it thinking of his friends riding away, of Alexander in the palace and wondered what the fates had in store for them.

OOXXOO

Alexander let the towel fall away from him as he left his bath, stopping on his balcony to note the clear blue sky of mid-morning before heading to his bedroom to take a fine chiton from a servant who handed it to him.

He wanted to look his best, he felt as if he had not seen Hephaistion in a lifetime, though it had only been two days. The reunion came with a price, for it was Hephaistion's wedding day.

His father would not be in attendance, sending Antipater there on his behalf instead but not before insisting Alexander did not need to be with Hephaistion to help him with his bath, but only to take him to the wedding feast and then to be there when he brought his new bride home.

Taking the golden sandals passed to him, he sat upon the bed to tie them, his mind recalling the times that Hephaistion had shared it with him. He swallowed back his anger against his father, telling himself for the thousandth time, that one day he too would have to marry, that they always planned to find a way to be together, even then, this was no different.

He fastened a matching golden belt, pushed a gold dagger in to it's sheath then tied a gold ribbon around his head. The servant bowed and remarked on how handsome he looked before Alexander made his way out of his rooms, through the palace and down to where a chariot waited for him, stepping in to it and telling the charioteer to go.

The man knew the way to Hephaistion's house, nobody had thought it wise to inform him where to find it, though Nikias, one of his guard had said that Hephaistion had been sleeping in his old room at the barracks and only going to the house when he needed something.

Alkaios lived in a large house near the palace, for his second daughter he had purchased a smaller house on the west of the city. The charioteer came to a halt outside a white house, whose gates stood open to reveal a small courtyard, with a carved stone trough and benches against the far wall.

Alexander stepped in to this courtyard and took a look around. Two storerooms were on the right, and just on from there were the kitchen and servants quarters. To his left was a covered walkway which led to the main reception room, the building framed the courtyard and a balcony ran around the top storey.

Not moving from the courtyard Alexander followed the rooms along. It was a small house, comfortable, not full of riches but simple in its style. At any other time he might be happy to spend time here, but this was where Hephaistion was to live with his new bride and so the house brought him nothing but pain to look at.

A woman shouted from the kitchen, then a male servant appeared, carrying a large jug. He was perhaps just slightly older, perhaps in his early twenties and with an arrogance about him, despite his station in life. Alexander noted the man's brown curled hair, trimmed beard and then the intelligent brown eyes which were studying him. He smiled to see it, suddenly amused, thinking the man would probably make a better soldier than a servant. The woman appeared, short and plump, wiping her hands on a cloth, before tidying her long grey hair and pushing the man forward, reminding him of his manners.

"Our master is in the main bedroom...getting dressed," the woman said, then slapped the man in the back. "Phokas, go and tell him he has a guest here," she ordered.

"Tell him, Alexander is here," Alexander corrected.

The man put down the jug, then crossed the courtyard, disappearing inside the house. Although not invited to follow, Alexander went in to the main reception area, looking around for the steps that would lead him to Hephaistion. He had just found them, had his foot on the bottom step as he saw Hephaistion appear at the top, the servant right behind him.

"Hephaistion," he breathed, taking in the braided chestnut hair, the desire in the blue eyes and then the red chiton that he wore, which brought him back to reality, which marked Hephaistion as the groom.

Hephaistion hurried down the steps and pulled Alexander in to an embrace. "I wondered when you would get here," he said, "it's the one good thing about the day."

He turned to the servant. "Phokas, would you fetch some wine, the best we have?"

With the servant gone, they were alone, and Alexander took Hephaistion's hand and pulled him to a corner of the main reception, where they were hidden from sight. Kissing his lips, desire building in him as he felt them returned with a matching passion.

"Is the groom about?"

Cleitus had arrived.

Other voices approached, Cleitus was not alone, men from the Vanguard came through, dressed in their finest, discovering Alexander and Hephaistion standing apart.

Phokas, the servant, came in with the wine and was quickly sent for more as the celebrations for the wedding began.

Hephaistion was pulled in to the centre of the room to listen to the usual wedding night jokes, to be given hints and tips about the time to come, libations made to the gods to bring a child to the new couple, libations made that the bride be beautiful, though one of their group said he had seen her and she was like a hog, best leave the veil on her when they returned to the house.

Alexander smiled but kept his distance, wishing he could pull Hephaistion free from the group he was in, announce the marriage would not take place and go with his lover back to the palace. Hephaistion had brought him happiness, he never thought that it would end and he cursed himself for his stupidity in offering himself in marriage. His father had been right, he had interfered, panicked that his brother might take the crown, and he deserved to be punished...but not like this.

Epaphras struck up a song, a bawdy song about the duties of a groom, after the first two lines others joined in, pulling Hephaistion to his feet. It was time to go, they were taking him to his wedding.

Hephaistion looked over at Alexander, as if it were the end of everything, before Sostrate wrapped his arm around his waist and pulled him away.

Alexander took another drink of the strong wine, then put down his cup and followed the rest outside, pleased to see that they had left Hephaistion by the chariot and were making their way along the street now to the house of Alkaios, still singing, Cleitus leading the chorus now.

"There is no more time for us," Hephaistion said.

"Don't say that," replied Alexander, reaching for Hephaistion's hand, only to notice the charioteer turn so he released it.

Looking to the stone floor Hephaistion took a deep breath, then looked in to Alexander's eyes. "I would have been with you forever," he said, "I will never love anybody more...but I have to give this marriage a chance, Alexander, or what kind of man would I be? She is a young girl...Pelagia..."

Hephaistion hesitated, bit his lip and took another deep breath, as he always did when he wished to calm himself. "Pelagia had no choice in this either, and it would be unfair to bring her in to a marriage..."

"I understand," Alexander said, leaning forward to kiss Hephaistion's brow, knowing as he said it he was lying. A married man could do as he pleased so long as he got his wife pregnant, but it was Hephaistion's nature to be loyal and to have a sense of fairness which he would apply to Alkaios' daughter.

Hephaistion stepped in to the chariot and Alexander followed him. Nothing was said as they went along the streets, thought the citizens of Pella came out to cheer them on, following along until they came to where Alkaios and Antipater waited.

Alkaios looked pleased to have Antipater as his guest and it crossed Alexander's mind that the man did not realise how lucky he was to have Hephaisiton becoming a part of his family. He stepped down from the chariot and stood back as Hephaistion was greeted and led inside.

Food was cooking, the smell of roast meat carrying through the air. Alexander followed the crowd through to the dining area where men and women gathered, but seated on opposite sides of the room. Wine was being poured by servants as the new guests took their seats, Alexander sat beside Hephaistion, noting the plates of sesame seeds and honey, the bread upon the table, the bread upon a separate table, a knife beside it so it could be cut as part of the ritual.

A group of women came downstairs from the women's quarters and the room went silent as the bride entered, wearing a long red gown and a fine red veil, glancing anxiously up to get her first sight of Hephaistion. With the veil her face could not be seen but Alexander imagined that she smiled to see her groom. She, herself, had long black hair which fell in well groomed curls down to her waist, a slender form and perfect hands, her skin pale.

She was guided in to the middle of the room, to the table with the bread. Hephaistion stood up and Alexander followed him. Alkaios came forward as well, a slender woman by his side who smiled with pleasure at Hephaistion and caressed his face, telling her daughter that she had a handsome man to warm her bed. Alkaios introduced her as his wife, Theophania, then signalled for her to sit down, which she did after reaching for her daughter.

Alexander empathised with the woman, she was losing what she loved and he was too. He focussed on Hephaistion now, blocking out the spoken words, turning away as the knife was handed to Hephaistion, as Alkaios placed his daughter's hand over Hephaistion's, feeling as if the knife were cutting in to his heart and not the loaf of bread. He thought how cruel his father could be, when they had fought alongside each other, when he had saved his life, for no thanks, his father could still hurt him and seem to take delight in it.

A cheer went up, libations poured and songs struck up as Hephaistion returned to his seat with Alexander and Alkaios and his bride to her table with her mother. Hephaistion looked across at her but the veil remained in place, Pelagia seemed to have no appetite.

"She should have no trouble, with the gods willing, to give you a child, Hephaistion," Alkaios said, resting his right hand on Hephaistion's left shoulder, "her mother never did, right from the first she was with child."

He pointed out his firstborn son, then three more sons of various ages, the youngest probably eight years old, then he turned in his seat to name his three daughters, forgetting to name Pelagia but then laughing to say she now belonged to Hephaistion.

As Alkaios went on to talk about the house he had given, to brag of his generosity in the furnishings, that when he returned to Athens in twelve days time he would provide more, Alexander turned to see Hephaistion looking at him.

Alexander had never seen him look that way, he could not place it at first, then realised it was the look of a caged animal. He could say nothing without being heard to say it and Cleitus was seated close enough and not so drunk to miss his words. He stood up and lifted his wine cup, the room going silent as he was about to speak.

"Hephaistion is my closest friend," he began, "he always will be, no matter what the future brings." There were murmurs of approval, it did no harm to show that Hephaistion was the confidant of a prince. "Pelagia, you are blessed amongst women to have this man as your husband, I hope you come to love him the same...but," Alexander smiled at Hephaistion, "though I see him go to you, I will not lose my hunting companion and I have no desire to drink alone at symposiums I attend."

He bowed towards the bride, and there was a brief delay before the short speech was applauded, the guests not sure if he was giving Hephaistion up or threatening to keep him close.

"Well said," Alkaios responded, lifting his cup high.

Servants carried in the food, a true feast, where no expense seemed to have been spared. Wine flowed and libations were poured once more before professional singers entered to sing, though one or two of the guests had songs of their own they favoured.

The songs were meant as an encouragement to the two newly weds, encouraging them to produce children.

The afternoon became the evening soon enough, servants lit lamps and Alkaios took this as a signal to stand, encouraging Hephaistion to do the same as he fetched his daughter. He took his daughter's right hand with his left and raised his own right hand to silence the revellers.

Smiling at the silence he made the time old announcement that every father spoke to the groom. "I hand over this woman to you, for the ploughing of legitimate children." With this he placed Pelagia's hand in to Hephaistion's, then lifted her veil to reveal a girl of about seventeen years, who gazed up at her new husband and smiled shyly at him. She was beautiful to look upon.

"Pelagia, go with your husband," Alkaios said, then turned and pointed to a child, carrying a basket of bread, an amphithales, a child with both parents, who symbolised the child their union would bring, the boy wore a crown of thorns and nuts and gave out some of the bread to the guests nearest to him. Alkaios shushed the guests who were getting up from their couches to follow the bride and groom.

The small boy stepped forward, waiting his cue before speaking his well-rehearsed words. "I fled worse and found better," he declared, before turning and hurrying from the house, Alkaios urging Hephaistion and Pelagia to follow.

They only need to go to the waiting chariot, as was the tradition, Hephaistion took Pelagia's wrist, earning cheers from the men and women, it was symbolic, he spoke softly to her as he helped her in to the chariot. It was Alexander's part to step up behind the bride and groom and ride with them back to the house as Hephaistion brought his bride home.

The guests ran along the street, torches and music accompanying them, to ward off evil spirits.

As they reached Hephaistion's house a paian cry went up to celebrate the arrival of the bride, that she had left her parents home. Pelagia was surprised by it and moved closer to Hephaistion, saying something that Alexander could not hear. She would lie in his arms tonight and Alexander envied her for that alone.

As tradition dictated, Hephaistion lifted Pelagia down from the chariot and gave her a quince to eat, which Aspasia had brought to him, then her mother, Theophania, handed her a burning torch and she laughed as she leant down to burn the axle of the chariot, another symbol that she could not return home.

They entered the house and gifts of figs, nuts and dried dates were brought. The men of the Vanguard gathered around Hephaistion, wrestling with him, making crude jokes about his duty, offering tips on how to please his bride.

Alexander stood and watched, unable to bring himself to join in, swept along as they made the guests made their way, with the bride and groom to the bridal chamber.

Hephaistion's two servants were there already, bowing to their master and greeting Pelagia by name. Pelagia smiled at her former nurse, Aspasia, then turned to Phokas and said she hoped that all was well with their new home.

The bed stood ready, but some women thought to adorn it with rose petals. Hephaistion had his arm around the waist of his bride now and people were leaving them, Epaphras and Sostrate coming to Alexander and embracing him, leading him from the room, offering to attend him during the night, for it fell to Alexander to guard the room as tradition dictated.

Pelagia's sisters and some friends called out as the door to the bridal chamber was shut, then began to bang upon it to scare away the spirits of the underworld, before settling down at the top of the stairs to sing reassuring songs for Pelagia to hear, to encourage the couple in their attempts to produce a baby boy.

Alexander rested his head back against the wall and closed his eyes, wondering why he ever wanted to marry.

OOXXOO

Hephaistion watched as Pelagia stepped free from his embrace and walked over to the window, reaching to close the shutters before turning back to look around the room. She turned back to him and smiled, reaching down to untie her sandals, looking like Nike. He wondered if she felt the victory of being a bride, most women wanted marriage.

"Is this your first time here, at the house?" Hephaistion asked, looking back towards the door as another hand was struck against it, more words of encouragement.

"My sister," Pelagia said, then smiled at Hephaistion before pulling off her veil which had been draped around her shoulders and letting it fall on to the floor. There was a silence between them before she spoke again. "They say that Alexander is your lover. Did you not want a wife?"

"I will be a good husband to you, Pelagia," Hephaistion replied.

Pelagia nodded, then smiled at a song that echoed around the walls. "A son for me," she said, then looked to her husband. "You are very handsome."

"And you are beautiful," Hephaistion replied, thinking she had a look of Olympias.

"They want us to make a son," Pelagia whispered, stepping forward.

Hephaistion wanted to go to the door, to tell the guests to leave, to free Alexander from his duty, to have him go...when he only wanted him to stay. He was a married man now and things had changed between them, he had to accept they would never be the same. He took Pelagia's hand, despite her attempts to appear relaxed her hand was shaking. Or was it his own hand, he couldn't tell.

Pelagia reached up and caressed Hephaistion's face. "You have a kind face," she commented and reached to kiss his lips, as if in exploration, a brief kiss before she moved away a little, her fingers tracing the outline of his jaw, his neck, the contours of his chest. She looked up and smiled before claiming another kiss, almost teasing, gaining a reaction before she moved away.

"Who taught you this?" Hephaistion asked.

Pelagia's face flushed. "My mother told me," she whispered, "I heard of your love for a man...Alexander, which she said was only natural, but that a man could learn to love a woman though he might be hesitant at first. I asked what I should do."

Hephaistion looked in to Pelagia's eyes feeling unsure of her reply, he felt aroused by her touch, telling himself he could learn to love her, in time.

As if aware of his hesitance Pelagia unclipped her gown, letting it fall so that she stood naked before him, then she reached for his hand and placed it upon her soft breast.

"Do not disappoint me on our wedding night," she said, running her left hand along his chest, to caress and run behind his neck. She shivered, though the room was warm enough, and pressed her body close.

Hephaistion bent forward and claimed her lips, feeling his arousal grow as she responded to his kisses, releasing his right hand to embrace him, to unclip his chiton. Perhaps Pelagia's mother was right and he could come to love his bride and by denying Alexander he could keep him safe from his father's anger.

"Yes," Pelagia murmured, moving closer still, embracing him and stepping back towards the bed.

Hephaistion reached for his belt, untying it and letting it fall, then reached up for the clip that held the left side of his chiton, releasing it. Parting from Pelagia to undress and kick off his own sandals, watching as she laughed and lay back on the bed, almost wanton in her desire.

He lay over her, careful not to rest his weight upon her as she moved beneath him, almost urging him to complete the act of union, but she was an alien thing to him, with her strong perfume, soft breasts and perfect submission, he longed for a matching strength, a well-muscled body and an equal partner, all that he had ever known.

Placing his hand on Pelagia's waist he encouraged her to turn, needing to satiate his arousal but knowing he would lose it if he did not take her on her knees. Pelagia protested and tensed as he positioned himself against her then she quietened and rested on her forearms as he sank himself in to her and began to move.

It felt strange to be buried in a woman's sex and Pelagia's silence after her seduction was disturbing. She did not move back against him as if not wanting to be a part of the act itself, so Hephaistion closed his eyes and quickly brought himself to his completion by imagining Alexander was before him.

The requirement of the wedding night fulfilled, Hephaistion lay back on the bed, hoping it might only get better between them. Pelagia rose from the bed, wrapping herself in a blanket before going over to a bowl and jug which stood on a table, washing herself carefully and drying herself before returning to the bed and lying down upon it.

"I did not hurt you?" Hephaistion asked.

"No," came the reply, "it needed to be done".