Hephaestion- Survivor

Chapter 30

"Are you ready to leave?" I asked Hephaestion.

"I don't know. Isn't it what you wanted?" He asked tracing patterns on my lower back.

"I don't know..." I whispered.

"You are scared"

It was really late at night. The only light in the room was from the small oil lamp on the nightstand. I usually enjoyed this moments when the world was asleep and there was no other sounds around. When I could be with him without any distraction.

"What if something happens to one of us..." I said.

"Let's not think about it..." He said.

"I can't stop my thoughts."

He looked at me and then opened his arms gesturing for me to scoot closer.

I settled closer to him, and placed my head on his chest, while he embraced me.

"Stop picturing the future. Concentrate on the present. And right now you are here, wrapped in my arms, safe. No one can hurt you, Ella." He said and kissed the top of my head. 'You can't know the future, Hephaestion. Who knows what is reserved for us?' I let out a breath and closed my eyes hoping that my thoughts will be silenced and I could finally fell asleep.

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"So what are you doing to today?" Hephaestion asked as we were both heading towards the backyard.

"Maybe something with Mousse. It's been a long time since I've practiced with him."

As I guided Mousse into the rink I felt something wrong with the saddle. I've brushed it off and continued my training.

Everything happened in a fraction of second. When the horse saw the snake, he neighed loudly and raised on the back feet. In that moment I've tried to hold the reins but the saddle fall on one side dragging me along.

I fell on my back and I've felt like all the air was out of my lungs. My head was hurting and everything around me was blurry. I heard Hephaestion calling my name and kneeling next to me.

"We should bring her to the doctor." Sirius said.

"No...I'm fine." I said trying to get up. When I was back on my feet I had to steady myself against Hephaestion because I was still dizzy.

"You sure you're fine?" He said.

"My head is ringing and my back hurts, but it will pass. I don't understand how this happened though." I said and run a hand through my hair, trying to regain control.

"I am sure I've checked the saddle. This thing never happened to me before. Look! that belt is cut." I said.

"Maybe you are tired and forgot to check this time." Cleitus said.

"I'm sure I did." I protested. "I didn't think is so old, though. Is so weird that it's ripped and I didn't notice."

"It's weird. There are no snakes around the palace. There are people that secure the area especially not to scare the horses." Hephaestion said.

"I know for sure there is a snake around the palace." Ptolemy said looking at Mert.

Then, everything clicked...

"You...You sabotaged me." I yelled at the man.

"I think you hit your head pretty badly. You should clearly see the doctor." Mert answered.

"I'm sure you messed with the saddle and left the snake around." I said.

"Let's suppose that your assumptions are correct. How could I possibly be sure that the snake would be around here during your training. I could have no idea in which way he would go. Think a little." Mert explained. "Has anyone seen me around the stables?" He shouted. Everyone stayed silent.

"Bring the soldier who guarded the stables this week!" I yelled.

"Calm down. It's not good for you to get angry." Hephaestion tried to help.

"Leave me alone!" I said a little too aggressive.

"Ouch... Your love is really strong guys." Mert laughed.

"Shut up!" I got so furious that I've thrown my helmet in his direction but given the fact that I was dizzy I failed miserably.

"Ella! STOP! You're exaggerating. Each one of us has accidents!" Alexander shouted.

"What kind of king are you?! Protecting a murderer?!" My voice became hoarse from all the effort and I felt like I was about to faint.

"Be careful with your words, Ella! I won't allow anyone to disrespect me!"

Luckily the responsible with the stables arrived and interrupted this contest of yells.

"Have you seen this man around the stables?" I asked pointing towards Mert.

The guardian took a long look at the man and then he answered 'no'.

"What do you mean no?" I asked.

"I haven't seen him, miss." The guardian repeated.

"That's impossible. I know you did something." I said.

"I think you owe me some excuses." Mert said.

"Ok ...that's it. If he doesn't leave then I will." I said and stormed off towards the castle.