The Persian Boy (Hephaistion)
At last, there came the time for games, to culminate in dancing. Hephaistion had known Bagoas would perform; the men had been looking forward to it with ribald but good-natured jests.
He had not, as a rule, been present when Bagoas danced, although he’d heard that he was good. Watching now, he was impressed despite himself, holding his breath as the lithe body spun and flowed like rippling water. The men’s roars proclaimed the boy the winner, though he looked surprised. Alexander kissed him, solemn and sweet, before them all, and Hephaistion leaned into the familiar comfort of the pain.