The Heart of Alexander

Chapter Thirty One-Bucephalas

I sat beside my husband as the discussion about the next conquest dragged on. We had been here now several hours and at the moment, I wished I could be whisked away downstairs to where the men were celebrating with their goblets filled to the brim with the most exquisite wine in these parts. I sighed in hopes this torture would soon be over.

The least I could say was that I was happy to be leaving this palace and be leaving Ambhi's hungry stares behind me. The entire time I sat at the table beside Alexander, I saw Ambhi glancing over at me with lust in his eyes. I shivered in disgust and leaned closer to Alexander.

But, for the first time that I have been with Alexander's army, I no longer wanted to go back to Bactria. I no longer craved the palace life, nor the lessons I was given day to day in order to be a good wife one day, nor did I miss mother and father. I almost felt guilty for not wanting that again. I did miss my dearest Cassandra and her sweet innocent smile. I did miss running through the marketplace with her as children, not having a care in the world. But those days were far behind us.

"My Queen?"

I looked up to meet Cassander's eyes. I had completely tuned out their conversation, leaving me clueless on the question that was asked for me. I cleared my throat and sat up straighter, projecting my voice just as my mother taught me.

"Yes, Cassander, what is it that you would like to say?"

"My Queen, wouldn't it be wise if we take you to Macedon or Persia for your safety. On the battlefield, you could have gotten yourself killed," Cassander persuaded.

I stood, pushing my chair out for behind me, I sent a piercing glare to Cassander and I let that glare travel to every man in the room until my eyes landed on Alexander.

"If I must disguise myself again, then I will. I refuse to leave my husband's side. If I am your queen, then respect my wishes like a humble servant," I demanded. I detested the way Cassander spoke of me like a fragile jewel needing to be secured.

Cassander's mouth went shut and he bowed his head, causing Alexander to chuckle. Porus let out a raspy laugh in return before standing up as well.

"This woman has proven herself enough. She defeated my guards and captured me herself. She fights like a warrior!" Porus cried.

A hand touched mine and I looked down to notice Alexander's hand gently resting on mine. I softly smiled at him before he stood up beside me, his arm now wrapping itself protectively around my waist for support.

"According to my maps, the end of the world is near. I wish to travel to the edge so I can look over and see what lies beneath," Alexander said.

"Alexander, none of our tribesman have seen the end of the world and although my eyes are old and weak, I have never seen such a thing either," Porus said.

"Then I will be the first," Alexander said with pride in his voice.

"That will be a sight!" Ambhi laughed heartily.

"In the meantime, we will stay at the maximum a week in order to mourn the dead, establish grounds and rules for my new cities, and to prepare the men and our horses for the grueling trip," he announced.

"What shall happen to me, my fellow king?" Porus asked.

"You will be a guest within the palace until the day I say you may go back to your people. In order to do so, you must earn my trust first," Alexander said, "Come now. Let this discussion be over so we may mourn those who fought bravely and died in battle,"

We all bowed to one another and were dismissed. I wrapped an arm around Alexander to keep him from stumbling and to make his pain less noticeable. As I gazed up at him, I saw a look of determination in his eyes. I knew where Alexander was going. To the battlefield.