Hephaestion- Survivor

Chapter 28

I've sent a letter back in Macedon and Jade said that she'd be delighted to join us." Hephaestion told me.

"That's amazing. I can't wait to see her again. Thank you Hephaestion." I hugged him.

"I thought that maybe another friendly face would help you after everything that happened." he said.

"I'll get through this, don't worry." I said.

He looked at me and wrapped his arm around my body, kissing the top of my head. I always loved this moments. I closed my eyes and leaned into him, breathing in his scent.

"We'll get through this." I've corrected myself.

"You can always count on me, Ella. No matter what happens." He said, continuing to stroke my hair.

"I know." I whispered.

Hephaestion let me go from his embrace so he could look into my eyes; his lips arched into a warm smile and his gentle arm found it's way on my cheek.

"My little survivor."

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One thing I loved about the palace were the balconies. Big terraces watching over the city of Babylon. At night, the view was spectacular. The streets were lighted by torches giving everything the air of a fairy tale. I was sipping the wine when I felt two hands covering my eyes. Only one person could have this childish behavior.

"Come on, Sirius." I laughed and grabbed one hand but I was shocked when I've felt the giant rings on the fingers. Sirius never wear one of those.

"Try again." Cold shivers ran down my spine when I've heard the rough voice so close to my ears. I turned away from him, so abruptly that I've spilled some wine on my dress. I quickly glanced towards the glass doors to see if no one else is coming. Anyone.... unfortunately everyone was either in their rooms or having fun downstairs in the hall.

"Why so scared? I promised I won't hurt you." He had a smile full of malice as he stood next to me leaning on the stone balustrade.

I took a deep breath,trying to find my calm. But it was so hard with his hawk-like eyes on me. I've felt like a small hunt next to it's predator. I just hoped someone will pass by and join this awkward situation.

"I am not afraid of you." I said, more to myself.

"Yeah sure. Your reaction told me everything doll. You look behind your back every time you walk alone, at the army meeting you stay on the opposite side of the room. What is that, if not fear?" He said.

"Disgust." I spitted.

"Ouch....That hurt." He said and looked away.

Suddenly, I've realized something and I couldn't help the sudden laugh.

"Why are you laughing?" He asked.

"Mert..." I said his name slowly. "Do you know it's meaning?" He looked at me waiting for my answer.

"It means brave, trustworthy, 'the one who tells the truth.' I think it's one of the destiny's greatest ironies." I said.

"I could tell you the truth you know?"

"Maybe I don't care about it anymore." I shrugged.

"I can't believe you." He smirked "Isn't there a small part of you that wants to know?"

"No. It's in the past. I have a wonderful present and a bright future with Hephaestion. I won't worry about what happened in the past."

He raised a brow. "Ok...if you say so, princess. Then what can I do?"

"Leave me alone. That would be a great beginning." I said.

"Now that we are in a lighter mood, do you know what is also funny?" He asked.

"What?"

"The fact that in the past, there was a big probability for you to be in my family." He raised his brow.

I huffed and looked away.

"Weren't you in love with my nephew?" He said. "Of course...he never looked at you in that way. He is stupid if you ask me. I mean....you were to be the queen. He could have been the king. Yet...someone paid me to change your destiny." He dragged his finger across the skin of my arm.

I put the wine down and left, hearing him shout that I will never be able to run from the truth.

When I've entered our room, Hephaestion was at the desk looking over some plans.

"Hey." I said happy to see him. But he said nothing; not even a slight gesture of happiness

"I said hey." I get closer to him. He leaned against the seat's back and crossed his arms in front of him.

"Ok, I'm going to change from this dress and we're gonna talk, because you're clearly pissed off by something and have no intention to fall asleep mad at each other."

I wanted to be comfortable so I took one of his shirts. I also knew that he could never resist me when I take on of his clothes.

"Now...What's the problem. I stood on the table in front of him. The shirt slightly raised leaving my thigh exposed. For a brief second it caught his attention but then he moved his stare from my leg to my face.

"Where have you been, Ella? Or should I ask you with who?"

"What do you mean?" I ask.

"You had a wine stain on your dress when you came in." He pointed out.

"Ahhh, that one." I huffed. "I was having a glass of wine on the main balcony. The one with the most beautiful view of the city. And then Mert appeared and I kind of jumped out of my skin." I trailed it off.

"From what I can see you and him start to get along." He said.

"Why would you say that?" I asked. The atmosphere was getting thicker. I didn't like where this discussion was heading.

"Why would you make deals with someone who you are not getting along?"

"Did he tell you?" I asked finally understanding what he insinuated.

"Well...it wasn't you for sure. Why did you hide it from me?" He asked. I looked away and didn't say a single thing. It couldn't happen. I couldn't have a fight with the love of my life because of that traitor.

"Ella look at me." He raised from the seat and put his arms on both sides of me. It was way harder to ignore his stare now that we were almost at the same height.

"Did you sleep with him?' he said barely above a whisper.

"NO! Never, Hephaestion. For anything in this world." I shouted. "That was the price for the information he had. But I said no. I could never give myself to someone else. So whatever he told you... It is a lie. I didn't tell you because I didn't want any conflicts. We already have enough." I said.

"I've heard his servants talking." He said.

"People will always talk.... Now please. Trust me when I say I love you, Hephaestion."

"Just the thought that I could lose you is driving me mad. I don't think I could ever bear to see you with someone else." He said and kissed my neck.

"You won't have to." I said in a whisper that soon turned into a moan. I let him slide the shirt up and push me until my bare back touched the cold surface of the desk. I hissed when I felt him bite the skin on my hip. Hephaestion groaned when we heard a loud knock on the door and we had to stop.

"What?!" He shouted a little furious.

"I hear you two are busy but Alexander wants to talk to us. All of us." Cleitus said from behind the door.

"Now?!" I asked.

"Do you think I'd be here if not RIGHT now." He answered.

"I wonder what does he wants this time?" I asked annoyed.