Hephaestion- Survivor

Chapter 3

I woke up breathing heavily and my heart was beating like crazy. I sat up and pulled the cover to dry my tears. I drawn my knees to my chest and stood like that for a few minutes then I light the oil lamps. I was pacing the room trying to calm myself when I heard a knock on my door. I opened it and was met by Hephaestion.

"I was on my balcony and saw the lights on. Are you alright?" He asked, concern lacing his voice.

"Yes, don't worry." I lied and gave him a smile.

"Stop lying. I feel something is wrong." He said.

I moved aside and let him enter. I took a deep breath and sat on my bed.

"It was just a nightmare. I'm fine now." I said

"You are still shaking a bit." He said. "Look, I'm your friend. You can tell me anything."

"I'm sorry for waking you up." I mumbled.

"You didn't." He said and sat down next to me.

"In my dream...I was chased by someone. It felt like I was running for my life but then something grabbed my hand and I suddenly woke up. And...I don't know...It felt so real. I actually feel my legs hurting." I explained.

"Things like these happen if you live traumatic experiences. I know it happened to some soldiers after we return from battles." He said.

"Does it ever happen to you?" I asked.

"Sometimes. I usually don't sleep much but still... I have them from time to time."

He hugged me and rubbed my back. I leaned my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes. we stood like that until my breath became even again and I stopped shaking. I left his embrace and said:

"You should go back to sleep. You will be tired tomorrow "

He got up but only to move the couch that was near the window. He pushed it next to my bed, then motioned towards the two pillows that were lying at the head of it.

"Can you give me one, please?"

"Come on, Hephaestion. I will be alright." I said, but I still handed him one.

"I wasn't sleeping either." He said and laid down on the couch.

I laid back in bed and closed my eyes.

I was woken up by the sun rays. I sighed and turned to the other side. I should remember pulling the curtains next time. I slowly opened my eyes and saw the couch empty. He must have left for the training.

Later that day, I went in the city with Jade to run some errands. It changed so much since I've last been here. I remember being a little child running and playing with my friends. Every little corner of this place was studded with memories. I felt Jade nudge my shoulder.

"Look who's in front of us!" She said excited. By the time I came back from the memory lane, Jane was already running. The persons she spotted were no other than Hephaestion and the king. I smiled when I saw Hephaestion waving at me.

"Majesty." I slightly bowed down in front of the king.

"My lady." He took my hand and kissed it. "It's a pleasure to meet you in a more enjoyable situation. How are your wounds?" He asked concerned.

"The physical ones are healing. I think I will need more time for the emotional ones, though." I said.

"I'm sure everything will be fine in the end. I mean... if you survived that unfortunate event that happened to you I bet my crown you can survive anything." He encouraged me.