Hephaestion- Survivor

Chapter 1

Hephaestion's POV.

Alexander and I were leading the army towards the next destination when I suddenly saw something in front of us. Actually, I saw someone.

"Stop them." I told to Alexander as I jumped from the horse. I approached the person,noticing that is a wounded woman. I knelt down and moved a strand of hair from her face. She was barely breathing but she managed to slowly open her eyes. They were tired but they had a certain spark in them. A spark that let me know that she is not done fighting yet. She tried to move but she was too weak.

"Please don't hurt me." She just whispered.

"Don't worry. We want to help you. I'm Hephaestion. Let me help you get up."

I grabbed her hand and pulled her up. I had to catch her when her knees gave up and she collapsed. A small whimper left her lips. She was trying to seem strong but I could only imagine how much pain she was feeling right now. I picked her up, bridal style and carried her to my horse. The soldiers were all curious what happened. Some that were standing in the front row started to make snarky comments until I've yelled to them to shut up. Alexander helped me to put her in front of me. I grabbed the riddle and continued our way back home. I tried to guide the horse as good as I could so it won't shake her a lot.

"Do you have any idea what happened to her?" Alexander asked.

"I think she's from a royal family. There is perfume in her hair and you see these marks? She is tanned but there are portions which are not. That means she wore jewels. And besides, she knows our language.I wouldn't be surprise if someone did this for power." I said.

"You suspect this was a murder attempt? To take the throne from her. I think she lives far away, then. I know the neighbour kingdoms and I doubt she's from here."

"Whoever did this to her, they wanted to be sure that she has no way of returning." I said and caressed her hair. She leaned into my touch and my heart clenched at the thought of her sufferance. "You're safe, now. Don't worry." I whispered in her ear.

"Don't get too attached to her, Hephaestion. Looking at her right now, I don't think she will make it." Alexander said.

"I just want to help, Alexander." I said. I didn't even know who she is but I felt that I like her. That second when I looked into her eyes and saw that determination to fight and to live amazed me. I was determined to save this girl.

We reached Macedonia in a few hours and I took her directly to infirmary.

"Who's her?" The doctor asked, alarmed by her condition.

"We found her abandoned in the desert on our away back home. Can you please take care of her?" I asked and gently placed her on the bed.

"Of course. You can wait outside." I wanted to get out but she grabbed my forearm.

"I know you are scared, but I'll be just behind that door, ok?" I took her hand from mine and brought it to my lips. I let the doctor do her job. Outside were waiting the king and a few soldiers. "She will take care of her. I'm going to wait here until it's done." I said to the men.

"You are tired, Hephaestion. We can take turns." Cleitus suggested.

"I'm fine." I answered and sat on a chair.

After thirty minutes the doctor came out. "How is she feeling?" I asked.

"She has multiple bruises all over her body. I put some lotions on them that will help the healing. She also has a broken ankle, and superficial cuts on her forehead and cheek. The bruises will be healed in a few weeks but the ankle might take longer." The doctor explained.