Snake's Tongue

This is an AU (though not exactly out of place or context) piece based on Olympias' silver tongue, Hephaestion's insecurities and Alexander's determination. I'm not sure how long it's going to be, though at the very least 3 chapters long.

Reviews would be very much appreciated, thank you :)

Part One

It had been a tiring few weeks, but Hephaestion's smile was strong as he fought the urge to dance his way to his beloved. A few days rest and relief had been promised by his commander, and he was planning on making the most of every minute of it. There was a lightness to his expression that made his grin all the more beautiful, and he attracted the attention of any whom he passed, but he had not eyes for anyone. Stopping outside Alexander's room, where he thought him to be, he called out his dear Achilles' name, but there was no answer. He leaned past the curtain, peeking his head through the doorway, and found himself confronted by a beautiful, austere looking woman.

"What brings you to Alexander's chambers, Hephaestion?" Olympias asked softly and dangerously. Hephaestion considered leaving swiftly; he knew the intense dislike that the woman felt for him. But he stepped into the room, trying to dispel the slight fearfulness in his eyes as she gazed intently upon him.

"I was looking for Alexander," he said, and internally scolded himself for such an obvious statement.

"Apparently," Olympias replied with a smirk. "And what did you want to speak with him about?"

In her hands, Olympias held a snake, and Hephaestion's eyes glanced nervously at it as it writhed through twisting fingers, winding its way up and down her arms, and he was very much aware of how little notice she gave it, as though such a creature was merely another part of her anatomy.

"Nothing," he replied hesitantly, "At least, nothing that cannot wait," he said, trying not to sound too disappointed.

"Good," Olympias replied. "Alexander has a busy schedule, Hephaestion, and does not need to be plagued with trivial matters. No doubt he shall call for you once his work is complete, though that could be in a few days. The Prince is a busy man," she spoke firmly and deliberately, her emphasis on the word Prince all too clear, and Hephaestion's eyes found their way to floor, both her tone and words humbling him somewhat.

"Could you tell me where I could find him?" he asked, his tone as sincere and polite as he could make it. "I think if he were to-"

"His words were perfectly clear, Hephaestion. He is not to be disturbed for anything, whether trivial or of the utmost importance. Anything of great consequence can be taken up with the King if need be," she offered, or perhaps dared, in a tone of mock kindness.

"Yes, but if I could just-"

"Without exception, if I recall correctly," Olympias furthered darkly, her tongue clicking in impatience. Hephaestion fell silent, eyes flitting around the room briefly, but he knew it was useless. If Alexander did not want to be seen, then Alexander was not going to be seen.

"I see," he replied, after clearing his throat and unclenching his fists. "I thank you," he bowed slightly to the woman, and made to take his leave but was stopped by the woman's soft voice.

"You'd do well not to hinder my son, Hephaestion."

"Excuse me?" he asked, thoroughly confused by her words.

"Regardless of your…devotion to my son," Olympias said, disgust evident on her face, "I would suggest you do not make it any harder for him to keep his throne. You must know how your presence jeopardises his chances of succeeding Philip. Your very presence is a distraction, Hephaestion, do not think I am unaware of my son's fascination with you. If you were at all loyal to the Prince, to this kingdom, you would be sure to stay as far from Alexander as possible. If you are a true friend, you will let him carry on his path towards his throne without hindrances born from misplaced affection."

Misplaced affection? Hephaestion thought to himself, and hoped very much that his hurt did not show on his face. Olympias' eyes were cold and demanding, her voice equally so, and Hephaestion ran a hand through his hair nervously, too afraid to say a word in case his voice shook, thus revealing how close he was to breaking.

"I know we both have only Alexander's best interests at heart," Olympias added, sounding almost sympathetic and caring, though her eyes still glittered with a deceit that Hephaestion might have noticed, had he not been too busy trying to block out the meaning of her words. "So I can trust you to understand why it would be best if you do not seek out Alexander in the future. Why…even Alexander has in the past expressed concern as to whether you are more of a hindrance than a help, given the…distracting nature of your feelings towards each other."

Hephaestion thought perhaps his entire chest was going to shatter, let alone his heart. Alexander had said such things? Surely not…but through his contained tears he could see no lie in Olympias' eyes.

"Well…yes," he agreed, his voice thick as his lips quivered. "Of course, I understand completely." He was impressed with himself, keeping his calm. "Thank you, my lady. Please tell Alexander…never mind," he said as an afterthought, and shook his head to himself as he left the room, rejection flooding through him, too distracted by the pounding of his blood in his ears to notice the smirk of triumph spreading across Olympias' face.