Begin part 6

Bagoas was awakened very early the next morning by the household slaves, coming in to clear the remains of the late night meal. Though they were working very quietly, he heard them picking up and resetting the king’s service ware. He waited until they were gone and went to the bath chamber to find his clothes. When he discovered they were gone, he took a towel to cover himself and returned to his pallet. He reminded himself, yet again, that he must keep clothes with him, somewhere other than in his Master’s closets.

He did not hear Alexander stirring until he exited the bed chamber. His Master was already clothed and Bagoas hurried to stand and wrap the towel about his waist, wishing him good morning. Alexander looked him up and down, grinning, “Bagoas - do you need more clothes or do you simply forget to wear the ones you have?”

Bagoas blushed, then dared smile at Alexander. “I try be more like you, Master.”

“In that case, you don’t need a towel.” Alexander grinned as he took the towel and smacked Bagoas’ backside with it.

Bagoas squealed in laughter. “My Master very cruel.”

“And hungry,” Alexander added. “As pretty as you are, little one, you need to get dressed and fetch my breakfast. Hephaistion will join me.”

Alexander was surprised when Bagoas went to his closets to get his clothing. Bagoas apologized, saying he had not known where to put his things. He thought his Master said something about getting him a chest, though he wasn’t sure he understood correctly. Alexander did smile at him, though, and he knew his Master wasn’t angry.

When he returned with the breakfast tray, Alexander and Hephaistion were at the table. Bagoas heard laughter as he approached. Alexander thanked him and indicated he should serve them.

When Bagoas was waved away, he went to a corner of the room and knelt. They were speaking quietly, and he could not hear them. He thought he must find some closer place next time. There were not really any duties he needed to perform, but he thought surely he could find something to do nearer them. They seemed to be going over the list of men he had named and discussing what to do. At last, they called him and asked what he knew of each one. Alexander wrote as he talked. Hephaistion gently pried him for information and helped him find the right words when he was unsure.

Alexander and Hephaistion rose to leave, taking the list and Alexander’s writings. Alexander paused. “Eat from the tray before you return it. There are no duties for the rest of the day. Except - except please find that boy who helps you with your Greek and work with him some more.”

Bagoas bowed in acknowledgement and decided he would also ask Tmarras to check his tear again. He thought he was healed. There had been no pain for several days, but he wanted to be sure. He looked at the tray but decided he would not eat. As he left the King’s rooms, he picked it up to return it to the kitchen. Rebellion, he thought, but only minor.

As Bagoas had hoped, Tmarras pronounced him healed. He handed Bagoas a larger vial of lubricant and told him to come back when he needed more. Bagoas spent the next several hours with Osine. He asked if there was any news of the other harem boys. Osine, who usually seemed so talkative, would tell him only that two of them had died. When Bagoas continued to ask questions, Osine told him Tmarras forbade him to speak of it. The boys turned back to their lessons and the matter was dropped, though Bagoas was agitated and lost his ability to concentrate. When Osine brought lunch for both of them, the mood lightened somewhat and there was occasional laughter at Bagoas’ poor pronunciation.

---

As Alexander and Hephaistion were heading to meet Mir Jamshid, Alexander commented about Bagoas joking with him this morning. It was the first sign of humor he could remember seeing in the boy. He laughed as he recounted the towel incident. Hephaistion smiled, though he felt a slight twinge of discomfort that Alexander might like the boy enough to play with him.

They also spoke of Bagoas’ safety. Alexander said he had decided against the brand after all. He would tell his staff officers that Bagoas was to be treated with respect. He expected his men to accept that. Hephaistion said he hoped that would be enough - all the time thinking Bagoas’ exotic beauty would be too tempting. However, he did not argue. He had disagreed enough with Alexander last night; and as much as he might like Bagoas, he would not let the slave come between them. I only hope Alexander feels the same.

By early afternoon, with the help of Mir Jamshid, each noble on the list had received a summons from the King. They were to meet in his chambers the following day at noon.

With the business of the summons handled, Alexander approached the older lieutenant he had talked with days before about equipping his great room with the large table. “Theron,” he said jovially, “I’ve meant to thank you for your service in having the table and chairs moved to my apartments.” Theron was both surprised and pleased to hear this from his commander and made some comments about how happy he was to be of service. Continuing the conversation in a light manner, Alexander said that his silly slave boy, the eunuch Bagoas, had been afraid of the soldiers. “The boy actually thought your men would rape him.” Theron awkwardly fumbled for words, remembering the occasion well. Alexander gave a good-natured chuckle and added that he had, of course, told his slave that no one of his men would dare touch his property and that his fears were foolish. Theron agreed immediately. Alexander touched the man’s shoulder in a friendly manner and asked if he might find a small chest and have it brought to his library. Bagoas would need a place to keep his things. Theron was effusive in his assurances he could do this for his commander. Alexander thanked him again, and turned to leave, satisfied that his words would spread rapidly. And that none of his soldiers would present any future danger to Bagoas.

When Alexander returned to his rooms in the late afternoon, he smiled at Bagoas, who met him at the door, and then went to his table, pulling out papers and studying them. He had some small amount of time before he would be expected to dine with his officers and the Persian nobles.

When he was satisfied with the matter he was handling, he called Bagoas to him and said he had heard that he had talent as a lute player. Bagoas dropped his head and said that many were better than he, but that he had pleased King Darius on some occasions. Alexander laughed and said he had heard that the occasions were many - though not all of them with the lute. Bagoas flushed and said King Darius had liked his dancing, also.

Alexander let out a deep laugh, now genuinely amused. “Dancing, ah, yes - the dancing.”

He continued to watch the boy, wondering about his discomfort. Everyone knew he had been Darius’ favorite. Why did it embarrass him? Then he took pity, called Bagoas to him, and embraced him. When he released him, he told him of next day’s meeting. “I would like you to be present.” This much Bagoas understood, but when Alexander went on about his watching and reporting his observations, he was unsure. Alexander was patient with him as he repeated what he wanted in simpler terms. The boy was to play his lute in the background and watch the people who were there. Bagoas nodded that he understood. He hoped he might be useful to his Master and he was very pleased to realize that Alexander valued his opinion.

As Alexander was leaving, he told Bagoas to eat something. “I don’t like feeling all your bones, little one.” Bagoas nodded, though he had no intention of eating again today. Osine had fed him at noon. It was enough.

When Alexander returned, he smelled of alcohol, and his mood had deteriorated. He stumbled toward the bedchamber, and Bagoas hurried to offer him support. He propped his Master up with his shoulder and when they reached the bedchamber, he started to help him undress. Alexander slapped his hands away and fell on the bed fully clothed. When he started to wretch, Bagoas hurried to bring a bowl for him to vomit into. Then he sat by his side and wiped his face with cold cloths, removing all signs that he had been ill.

Hephaistion entered the room and watched them. “Thank you, Bagoas, for caring for him.”

“It my duty, Lord Phaistion.”

Hephaistion thought it might be more than that, but he made no further comment and left for his own rooms. He felt another flicker of discomfort.

When Bagoas was sure Alexander was asleep, he undressed his Master gently and covered him with a bed sheet. As he put the dirty bowl outside the door, his thoughts were flying in all directions. Bagoas liked Alexander, indeed, his boyish feelings stirred for the first time in a way he could only interpret as love. But his Persian sensibilities were disturbed by drunkenness. The smells of the vomit had almost made him wretch himself. Great King Darius would never have done such a thing. Even in times of illness, he did not ask his favorite boy to clean up after him. Then again, Darius had never smiled at him with such open enthusiasm, or embraced him outside the bed chamber. At last, Bagoas returned to his pallet and slept fitfully.

At some point in the night, he awoke when he heard Alexander stirring. He got up quickly to attend any needs he might have. He waited, watching quietly until he was sure the King could return to bed from the privy without help. Alexander saw him and thanked him for his help earlier as he walked toward the bed. This time, Bagoas was able to pull back the coverings and make the bed welcoming before Alexander got in.

As he was turning to leave, Alexander called to him and told him to get in bed, too. Bagoas wanted to refuse - the room still carried the faint scents of vomit and alcohol. But obedience was part of his nature, so he undressed, folded his clothes neatly and slipped in next to the King. To his surprise, Alexander made no move to touch him. To his even greater surprise, he found his own hands reaching out to caress his Master. What am I doing? I don’t want to have sex with him now. But... but I want to please him. I want him to love me. His first touches were hesitant and very gentle. When Alexander made no attempt to stop him, his hands crept downward to his groin. Alexander moaned in pleasure as he stroked - but removed his hand finally and told him to stop. “Not tonight, Bagoas,” he said softly, then kissed the boy on his cheek. “Just sleep with me.”

Bagoas was both relieved and disappointed. He felt his only value was in bringing pleasure. Is my master pleased in simply having me near him? It did not seem possible. I am happy just to be in his presence, but he is the Great King. Bagoas shifted in the bed, wondering about his Master’s feelings. I am a fool, he concluded. Wanting him to love me will not make it so.

It seemed the morning came too quickly for both of them. Hephaistion walked in cheerfully, in Alexander’s view, entirely too full of cheer. Bagoas was embarrassed to be found naked in the king’s bed, but it only amused Alexander, and bothered Hephaistion not at all.

“Your meeting with the traitors is only a few hours away, Alexander. Get out of bed. Now.”

Bagoas moved quickly to get out of bed and find his clothes. As he bent over to pick them up, Hephaistion ran an appreciating hand over his buttocks, cupping one and giving it a pinch. He laughed when Bagoas flushed.

Alexander was watching and grinned at what he saw, though he quickly pointed out, in mock anger, that Hephaistion had best leave his slave boy alone. Both men burst out laughing.

After his initial embarrassment had passed, Bagoas smiled as he watched them laugh. He was surprised he was not offended, but accepted that he took pleasure in their happiness. It was, after all, the way of things.

He went quickly to the closet and pulled out fresh clothes for Alexander. After he had helped him dress, he took a comb and went to arrange Alexander’s hair. Alexander took the comb from his hand, however, saying he would do it himself. When the King was done, he was satisfied, though Bagoas was not - nor Hephaistion, for he took the comb from Alexander and tamed a few more of the errant strands.

Hephaistion was joking as he suggested Alexander darken his eyes a little, but Alexander rejected the idea at once – as Persian foolishness. Though he turned to see if his comments had upset Bagoas. When he noticed that Bagoas seemed amused, he looked at him closely and suggested he had best go fix his own face.

Bagoas gave a little smile, nodded and was off to see about himself. When he returned, Alexander sent him to fetch a light breakfast. He and Hephaistion ate hurriedly. As Bagoas was moving to put the tray outside the doors, Alexander told him to eat first. This time, the boy smiled and happily obeyed. There was fresh fruit and cheese.

When he returned, Alexander told him to fetch his lute and place his pillow in the shadows of the great room. Bagoas asked if he was to serve the guests today, and Alexander said no - Greek pages would handle those duties. Bagoas did as he was told, set up the pillow where his pallet had been, sat down and began to tune his lute. He began playing softly as Alexander and Hephaistion sat around the table.

Soon, others began to arrive. First Mir Jamshid, who would interpret. Then two of Alexander’s generals. And the pages. And then the Persian lords themselves. They were served lunch. Bagoas wished that he might water his master’s wine, but he noted Alexander drank sparingly. The Persian lords were very ill at ease, and he heard them proclaim their loyalty and support. He knew they were afraid, but he doubted they spoke truthfully. He noticed that they still exchanged secretive glances.

Once the long ordeal of the day was over, only Hephaistion, Jamshid and Bagoas remained with Alexander. Alexander leaned back in his chair, hoping he had handled things well. Perhaps he should simply have them all slain.

“Bagoas, come join us.” The boy put down his lute, standing up in one smooth motion. He approached the table and bowed his head.

Alexander got right to the point. “What did you think? Were they being truthful?”

Bagoas had known this was coming, and he did not want to fail his Master. He bit his lower lip for just a moment before speaking. “Master, I think they are very afraid of you, now. They know you will be watching them.” He hesitated. “But, master, I think you should kill them all... and their families.”

Jamshid translated.

Bagoas could feel the shocked stares from Alexander and Hephaistion. He dropped his head, afraid he had offended them.

Jamshid began to talk. “I know, Great Lords, that you think our ways are barbaric. But they have served us well for times eternal. This boy,” he said, pointing at Bagoas, “lives only because he was very young when his family was killed. And pretty. Through castration, he became a non-person. Of no importance. The family that destroyed his still thrives. If his family had struck first, the story would be different. The boy tells you the truth he knows. And I agree.”

Alexander stood and nodded. “Thank you, Mir Jamshid. I am grateful for your help and your advice.”

Jamshid bowed deeply and left. Bagoas returned to his pillow and lute, beginning to play again.

Hephaistion looked at Bagoas, then back to Alexander, who had returned to his seat. “Our little flower has thorns, Alexander.”

“Indeed, he does, Hephaistion. I had not realized he was of noble birth - nor the tragedies that befell him. He has more knowledge of such things than I had given him credit for.” He scribbled a few more notes.

Hephaistion was silent, glad Alexander knew of Bagoas’ past and glad that he had not been the one to tell him. I forced Bagoas to tell me that day in the bath. Telling even Alexander would feel like a betrayal of the boy.

Alexander spoke again. “I will see you tonight at dinner, but in the meantime I think I will take my little thorned flower to bed.”

Hephaistion laughed. “Can I stay, too?”

“Not this time, my love. Both of us at once is too much for him right now.”

Though Hephaistion felt the twinge again, he was unwilling to push the matter. “Then I wish you happiness.” Hephaistion brushed Alexander’s forehead with a kiss and left.

“Time for bed, Bagoas.” Bagoas looked up quickly; the sun had not set. Then he realized what his master meant and smiled at him. Alexander walked toward him, took him by the elbow and escorted him to the bed chamber.

“Will you help me,” he said, as he started to unbuckle his belt. Bagoas finished the rest for him entirely, daring to gently kiss Alexander’s chest and abdomen as he lowered his skirt to the floor. Alexander pulled him back up and kissed him on the lips. Then he sat on the side of the bed and told Bagoas to undress. The boy smiled again, and slowly stripped off his shirt, one arm at a time, then pulling it over his head. He shook his hair loose. Then he began with his trousers, lifting out one leg and then the other. He slowly folded his clothes and turned to expose himself entirely to Alexander. The King realized his slave boy was trying to entice him. He almost laughed, since enticement was the last thing he needed at the moment.

When Bagoas spoke of destroying families, there had been a familiar swell in his loins. In some deep place, such thoughts excited him – and he had not expected them from his slave. The boy knelt between Alexander’s knees, placing his head on his chest. Alexander’s hand began to run through his hair, spreading it out, then pushed Bagoas’ head lower. The boy used his tongue artfully, teasing and stroking Alexander’s manhood until it was tall and erect. He swirled his tongue around the tip while gently squeezing the sac. He moved to take Alexander entirely in his mouth and started to suckle. He could hear his master breathe faster and the small sounds of pleasure he was making. But before he could bring his Master to climax, Alexander pushed his head away.

Several moments passed before Alexander could speak. “Not today, pretty one. Get the lubricant. I want to possess you totally this time.” Then Alexander turned and lay on the bed. Bagoas hurried to the cabinet where he had placed the oil and handed the vial to Alexander, as well as a cloth to clean them later.

Alexander pulled him into the bed and began to caress his lean belly. The shape of Bagoas’ waistline, the prominence of his rib cage fascinated him. In this regard, the boy did not resemble a man. He was most assuredly not a woman either, though there was a gentle curve to his breasts. To Alexander, he seemed the best of both sexes - or neither.

Alexander’s attention moved to the boy’s face. He traced each feature with his fingers, then with his tongue, licking and nibbling. Bagoas was sighing in pleasure with each touch. He reached to Alexander, stroking his arms and his hands.

Alexander shivered at the light touches and began to kiss Bagoas, tenderly at first and then with more insistence. Bagoas met him eagerly with his own tongue, opening himself to Alexander. His master became almost brutal, pushing his teeth into the tender lips and forcing his tongue deep into Bagoas’ mouth, exploring every part of the boy’s mouth, his teeth, his tongue and the back of his throat. Bagoas moved his arms to grasp his Master’s head yet tighter to him. When Alexander moved to the boy’s chest, he picked at the nipples with his teeth, then licked them until they were hard and erect. He suckled one and twisted the other with his fingers until he could hear Bagoas’ moans rise in intensity. Bagoas arched his body, pushing his chest against Alexander’s teeth and hand. He whispered for his Master to please take him harder. Alexander laughed softly, excited by Bagoas’ words.

Alexander moved to his belly, nibbling his way to the boy’s naval. He explored this sensitive place with his tongue, feeling Bagoas push himself closer. When he came to the boy’s penis, he stroked it gently with his fingers. If this were Hephaistion, he would be fully erect by now. Bagoas responded only with soft moans, though for the first time, he did thicken and extend. Alexander hesitated a moment, wondering what Bagoas felt. But he moved his exploration to the boy’s thighs, kissing and licking the soft, sweet flesh that opened to him so eagerly.

He turned Bagoas onto his stomach and began to handle the boy’s backside. He sucked at the buttocks, and was pleased to see his marks on the soft flesh. His own manhood was throbbing now and he wanted release in those tight cheeks. He pushed them apart with his fingers, pouring a little of the oil in the tight crack. He moved between them, searching until he found the boy’s opening. He used more oil and was able to push his fingers into the tight orifice. Bagoas’ moans only heightened his pleasure and now he began to move his fingers around inside the tight rim. Bagoas pushed himself onto his Master’s fingers, moving his hips sensuously. Alexander continued until he could feel the opening expand and give itself over to his desires.

He whispered into Bagoas’ ear that he was ready now - oiled and pliant. He lifted Bagoas to his knees, pushing his legs apart. Then he shifted himself upward pushing his hard sex into the soft, giving flesh. Passion swept all thoughts of gentleness from his mind and he shoved himself in hard. As he felt his tension rise, he slowed down his movements, wanted to prolong his pleasure. He shifted himself, touching every intimate part of the body beneath him. Occasionally, he would hear Bagoas gasp and knew he had found the special spot within him. He was glad a eunuch could feel such things. He increased the depth of his thrusts, enjoying his feeling of control. Bagoas began to tighten his muscles trying to pull his master even further into him. Alexander gasped in surprise and with one final deep push, he cried out in his climax.

When his breathing had returned to normal, he pulled himself out, shifted back and pulled Bagoas’ legs back to have him lie down. Alexander lay down and turned Bagoas to face him again. The boy’s face was wet with tears, his eye makeup smudged. “Did I hurt you, Bagoas?” he asked in concern.

“Oh, no, Master. You pleasure me. You wonderful to me. I afraid I not please you.”

“You pleased me just fine.” Alexander smiled. “I can’t believe this small body can be so full of pleasure for me.” He stroked the boy’s flat belly. “How did you make your muscles do that? It was like you had climaxed.” Bagoas said nothing, only smiling as he touched Alexander’s face. Alexander pulled out the cloth Bagoas had brought earlier and handed it to him. Bagoas wiped him gently. When he was done, Alexander took the cloth and put it between the boy’s thighs to catch the fluids that were beginning to leak.

Bagoas hugged him tightly. He had never enjoyed the sex act so much. Was this love making? He had never thought of it that way before. His Master had taken great care that he should have pleasure as well. He had surrendered to Alexander completely, not sure what would happen when he dropped all his defenses. He had truly wanted everything Alexander did to him and he was overcome by the pleasure he had felt.

As Alexander relaxed, he began to think of taking Bagoas with him when he left the palace. On a practical level, it would be good to have someone look after him on campaigns, but it was more than that. He wanted Bagoas with him. He had played with the idea before, had thought of the possibilities, but there were so many questions. Could Bagoas be of use, or would caring for him be a liability? Could he survive outside the comforts of the palace? Alexander began to plan how he would make certain Bagoas had the skills he needed. His kisses turned very gentle again and he held the boy close. They kissed and mumbled things neither of them understood.

But, before Alexander let the boy sleep, he wanted to talk to him. He pushed him away and looked into his eyes. “Bagoas, I want you to eat.”

“Now, Master?” Bagoas was confused.

Alexander laughed softly. “No, not now, silly boy. But I want you to eat at least twice a day. Sometimes, I feel you deliberately starve yourself.”

Bagoas nodded. He did, indeed, frequently refuse to eat. He didn’t want to look like Osine, but, even more, he did not want to give up this one aspect of his life he could control.

“There is always food left on my breakfast tray. Eat before you remove it.”

“Yes, Master.”

Alexander took a deep breath before continuing. Bagoas would be distressed. “When I give you to Hephaistion, you must please him.” Alexander could sense Bagoas beginning to tense. “I will not let anyone else touch you. But Hephaistion is...” He hesitated. “Hephaistion is special to me. He will not hurt you.” He searched Bagoas’ eyes. “Do you understand?”

“Yes, Master. I pleasure Hephaistion if it your desire.”

“It is my desire.”

Bagoas nodded. There was no choice. And if the king did not give him to others, he could serve Hephaistion. The man was kind. He liked him.

Alexander pulled him close again. Bagoas caressed his Master’s back, finding he was calmed by touching him. He was almost asleep when he felt Alexander move away. He started to follow, but his Master kissed his forehead and told him to sleep.

Alexander returned to his desk to work.

----

In the weeks that followed, Alexander began to have Bagoas attend him in public. The Greeks at first did not hide their disdain. On those occasions, Alexander would stroke Bagoas’ hair or touch his hand, publicly acknowledging his affection. Soon the soldiers were careful not to let Alexander see their feelings, though they occasionally still taunted Bagoas when Alexander could not hear.

Alexander sent him to Osine each day, thinking he would need better understanding of the Greek language before he was taken from the palace. Bagoas would have to understand people not as patient with him as he was, as Hephaistion was. Alexander worked with him some portion of each day as well.

He sent Bagoas to Hephaistion’s rooms on the occasions Hephaistion requested him. Hephaistion was aware of Alexander’s growing feelings for the boy, but as long as Alexander offered him willingly, he felt no threat. Indeed, he was always kind and gentle to the boy, giving Alexander no reason to withhold him. Bagoas made no complaint, though Hephaistion could sometimes tell he was sad. On those occasions, he took special care that Bagoas was pleasured also.

Bagoas had to work harder than usual to hide his feelings. For him, the times with Hephaistion were not unpleasant, even sometimes exciting. But he felt shamed when his body betrayed his needs or his pleasure with someone other than his Master. Every time in Hephaistion’s bed reminded him of his status in Alexander’s life. He had become a beloved slave, but in many ways, he was still a toy to be shared. He accepted what he was given because he had no choice, and he tried not to betray the shame he felt.

In the week before Hephaistion was to go into the field to deal with the Persian lords suspected of treachery, Bagoas was not called to his master’s bed, nor to Hephaistion’s. It was expected; he accepted it and tried to comfort his master. Sometimes he could distract him, but he spent his nights alone on his pallet

The day before he left, Hephaistion sought out Bagoas and asked him to look after Alexander and care for him while he was gone. Bagoas embraced Hephaistion with tears in his eyes. Hephaistion loved his Master, too. “I wish you the gods’ blessings on your mission, sir,” Bagoas said in Persian. “Be safe.”

End part 6

TBC