Hephaestion- Survivor

Chapter 14

One morning we were in the library lying on the couch. My head was resting on Hephaestion's chest, and his hand was on my back. From time to time he would kiss the top of my head. I was listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeats and recalled what he said to me that night.

"Do you really believe in soulmates?" I asked out of the blue."Or was it just something said in the heat of the moment?"

Hephaestion stood a moment until he understand what I've asked

"I didn't before. But now I do. I have a feeling that our souls know each other for a very long time. It's just the bodies that are new." He said.

"Do you think we'll meet again in another life?" I asked, playing with one of his locks.

"I'm sure. But right now I only care to make the best of this one." He said.

"Hephaestion! Ella!" We heard voices shouting downstairs.

Hephaestion's rolled his eyes. "What are they doing here?"

"Maybe they're worried. You haven't seen them in a week." I said getting up.

The door opened and Alexander entered followed by Cleitus and Sirius.

"Where is everyone?" the king asked.

"I gave them a vacation." Hephaestion said.

"Smooth. I told you we should have leave them alone." Sirius said, with a knowing smile while his eyes focused on me.

"Neither of you came to the training. We just wanted to see if everything is alright." Alexander said.

" I remember I told you that I want a holiday." Hephaestion told his best friend.

"I thought it was a joke. You never needed nor wanted a break." the king said.

"I let you discuss. I'll be in the stable with Mousse." I left the room, but not before giving Hephaestion a kiss on the cheek.

"Poor horse." Sirius said.

"I know, right?" The general laughed.

"I see you have the perfect holiday. Tell us Hephaestion...how is it to be in love again? And don't deny. It's written all over your face" Alexander laughed.

"Amazing. I mean... It's incredible to make love to someone you actually have feelings for. I only cared about her. I wanted to make her feel good rather than to seek my own pleasure." He said.

"I wonder how long it will last" Cleitus huffed.

"What?" Hephaestion asked slightly annoyed.

"How long will you play with her, until you get bored and you'll break her heart? Like you always do." Hephaestion wanted to defend himself but the older general left before he could say anything.

"Ignore him. He's just jealous. " Alexander said.

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Ella's POV

I was petting Mousse's mane, when I heard a voice.

"So you and Hephaestion are together?" Cleitus said leaning on one of the stable's pillars.

"I guess. I love him, he loves me. We denied our feelings for some time but now things are well." I said.

"I'd be careful if I were you."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I think you gave your heart way too quickly."

"I don't agree. We were friends at first. It's not like we've met and then the next day we started a relationship." I explained.

"Don't fall in love with him, Ella."

"Too late."

"He'll break your heart. Please don't get involved with him."

"He loves me. You should see the way he's acting around me, when we are alone. You can't convince me that he doesn't care."

"You're naive, Ella. I don't have a doubt that he wanted you. But now that you gave in, he'll lose his interest." He said.

"Stop calling me naive and saying that I have no idea about anything. We are friends. You should be happy for me. I feel loved. For the first time in my life, I feel loved and desired."

"You don't know him like I do." He said.

"And how do you know me, Cleitus?" I saw Hephaestion and Sirius coming towards us.

"Come on, old man. She's feeling the firsts shivers of love. Let her live a little." Sirius said. That's what I love most about him. He always tried to lighten up a tensed situation.

"Leave us alone." Hephaestion said.

"She's too good for you." Cleitus retorted.

"And you think she'll ever look at you. Keep dreaming, my friend."

"Guys, stop." I tried to interfere but they just ignored me.

"Have you told her, Hephaestion? About all of your affairs, flings, one-night stands. Do you want me to tell her? Do you think she'll look at you the same? I don't think she'll still see you as this prince charming after that."

"That's none of your business."

"At your first mistake, be sure that I'll step in." Cleitus said.

"It won't be necessary." He said through gritted teeth.

"The king went to drink something. What do you say about joining him? I think you need to let out some steam." Sirius told Cleitus.

He gently grabbed my hand and looked into my eyes: "I love you, Ella. That's why I'm telling you that you deserve so much more."

"Thanks for your advice." I said.

There was an awkward silence between me and Hephaestion after the two men left. I didn't know what to say or do. Hephaestion was looking at me as if he was expecting me to ask questions, to yell or to do something, no matter what. But I continued to pet my horse.

"Don't you want to come back inside?" He asked.

"No, I think I'm going for a ride with Mousse." I said.

"Can I accompany or do you want to go alone?"

I stood a moment to think. I won't lie and say that what Cleitus told me didn't have an effect. For the first time I had a small ounce of doubt. Of course I wouldn't admit that in front of him. I love Hephaestion and I will never be against him in a conversation. Maybe I've thrown myself head first into something I couldn't handle.

"Do you mind if I go on my own? These days had been really intense and I feel a little overwhelmed." I explained.

"Not at all. Take a walk, clear your mind." He had a sad smile on his face as he approached me. "I love you" Hephaestion said after he planted a small peck on my lips, then he rested his forehead against mine. "If you have any questions just ask me, don't assume."