Dancing with the Lion: Rise, Paperback/Jeanne Reames

The story of Alexander before he became "the Great." Finished with schooling under Aristoteles, Alexandros is appointed regent of Makedon while his father is away on campaign. This new authority is what he was born for, yet it alters his relationships with both his mother and Hephaistion. And when his soldiers start to call him "The Little King," his father is less than delighted, especially as he proves himself as a military commander. Rising tensions between Makedon and the city-states of southern Greece sound the drums of war while personal hostilities separate king and crown prince even as they march to meet the Greeks in combat. Yet after the south is pacified, friction remains between Alexandros and the king. These hostilities explode at the festivity celebrating his father's seventh marriage, forcing Alexandros into exile with his mother and Hephaistion by his side. To gain the throne, he may have to battle a gut-wrenching foe: his own father. If so, who will win: the old, seasoned lion or the talented young cub?