Not One But Two

Chapter 6 Aftermath

🌈Author Notes: ❗❗❗WARNINGS: Depiction of violence, graphic violence, adult languages, adultery, blood and injuries, violence, miscarriage, and sexual engagement. ❗❗❗

Hello, Sweets! Sorry for not updating for so long. I planned to complete this story earlier this year but needed to catch up with school and work. Then, my university removed our Premium Grammarly subscription for students, which affected much of my work. Now, I have to work to pay for a subscription for myself—enough about me. I hope you enjoy this last chapter of 'Not One But Two.' Thank you for staying patient with me and supporting my work. Have a great read!

Susa Palace-King's Quarter/Alexander Chamber

"DOCTOR! FETCH THE DOCTOR! NOW!" Alexander screams at the servants and eunuchs. He lays his husband gently on the giant bed.

Bagoas was on his way to the King's place when the ruler sped by him with the Vice King and Prince in his arms. Bagoas follows the King into the chamber.

"Oh, by the gods! Hephaestion!" Olympias and Cleopatra arrived after hearing of the God of Velocity, Archery, and Forest's state. Olympias reaches Hephaestion's left side and takes hold of his hand.

"Your Majesty, the doctor is present!" Amara practically drags the doctor by the collar into the chamber.

"Quickly, or I'll have your head!" The King threatens the older man.

The doctor takes one look at Hephaestion and turns to Alexander. "Your Majesty, it's best to remove the Prince from Vice King Hephaestion's side."

"NO! I will not be part from papa! I'm remaining!"

"Do what you are told and not another word," Alexander heightens his tone with the doctor. What the King needs is for his family to be safe and secure. The last thing he needs is to create more distress for his son.

Bagoas has never seen the look of vulnerability and insecurity in the King until this moment.

"My dearest Alex. Don't trouble yourself too much. Your papa will recover nicely. The doctor will make certain of it." Olympias strokes Alex's hair while sending the doctor a threatening look. An expression that says if the Vice King and future Prince or Princess isn't safe, then he's as good as dead.

The doctor didn't waste another second as he began to examine Hephaestion. Fortunately, there was no trauma to the body other than light scratches and minor bruises to the ribs and right shoulder. There's no concern regarding the baby. The Vice King suffers from over-exhaustion, which is the reason that causes him to lose consciousness. With his body being more delicate than usual, it will take Hephaestion longer to heal. The doctor warns them to keep Hephaestion from performing strenuous activities and takes his time in bed for the remainder of the pregnancy.

Alexander feels as if he can breathe again. The tension and pressure in his lungs and stomach are gone. He can feel the toll of the day creeping against his body.

Olympias orders the dismissal of everyone except for the doctor and Bagoas, who should be at attention outside the King's chamber in case of any irregularities. The Queen Mother left with Cleopatra to give the family of three some time to recuperate. There are still things waiting for her to explore, and she'll start with the West Wing of the Queen's Quarter.

After everyone departed, Bagoas stood from the chamber's entrance and stared at Alexander. The King is so gentle with how he's holding the wet cloth and wiping away the smears of dirt and soil from his husband's body. The God of Victory is careful to work around the Young Prince, who has fallen asleep and curled up to the Vice King's body after knowing his papa will be alright. Alexander returns the wet cloth to its washbowl, lowers himself to his knees, and takes one of Hephaestion's hands into his. It's like the King is holding something sacred, which will disappear if he releases it.