The next week was pure tranquility. Frank and Hazel spent everyday looking after their animals. The late summer weather was beautiful and they spent many afternoons picking wildflowers and chasing after their frolicking charges.

Only one thing caused Frank anxiety: the question. He had thought about it for months — even before the war, but now it seemed to run through his head everyday. Would Hazel wish to marry him? Would her father say yes?

One afternoon as they were leading an adolescent goat who had gotten stuck in a thorn bush back to the herd, Hazel mentioned what her father said. "He told me I could marry whomever I wished to," she said.

Worry pricked in Frank's heart and tension built up in his throat, making the next words harder to say. "And is there anyone you have in mind?"

Hazel's golden eyes glittered. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "You, of course."

     They kissed and it was like no kiss they'd had before. It was both more passionate and yet more tender than ever before. Frank gently stroked Hazel's soft curls, while she stroked his back. Hazel could smell the soap Frank's grandmother washed his clothes with and he could taste the beeswax she'd smoothed over her lips earlier that day.

    When the kissed ended, Frank looked at Hazel's face, aglow with happiness and he found the courage to do what he'd longed to for months.Tonight," he said. "I will ask your father if I can marry you. I have come back with war with enough money to give you a comfortable life. I can herd goats that will provide us with ripened cheeses, I can hunt to give us fresh meat, and I will tend the earth so your cauldron is not lacking of vegetables."

    Hazel laughed lightly and kissed him on the nose. "I'd love that," she said, "but there is one more thing."

    Frank stiffened. Had he messed something up? "We'll spend time together, right?" Hazel asked.

    Frank blinked in relief and a large smile overtook his shy expression. "Of course. There is nothing I wish for more than to spend my days with you."

***

   After saying good night to Hazel and leading the goats back to their pen, Frank felt his earlier anxiety start to bubble again like soap once it's mixed with water. Hades had told Hazel she could marry whoever he wanted, but what if he didn't approve of Frank. Or what if Hazel got a better marriage offer?

      Frank tried to quiet his fears as he got ready. First, he fetched water from the well and washed his face. Then, he untangled his hair, which didn't take too long since it was still short, and smoothed it down with olive oil. Then, he changed into his best tunic and a cloak he'd been given for his bravery in battle.

     Frank's grandmother clicked her tongue as she saw him straightening up and squaring his shoulders. "Is my grandson primping for a marriage proposal?" she asked.

     Frank blushed and nodded. "Are you asking Hades about his daughter, Hazel?" his mother asked.

    Frank nodded again and blushed further as his mother walked over to him and ruffled his hair. "You can do this," she said. "Remember to bring some gifts for Hades' family. You can take some cheeses from our shed and an amphora of vintage wine."

     "Thank you mother," Frank said, hugging her.

     He grabbed a few things he'd bought in Mytilene for marriage presents and then went to the shed to fetch some cheeses and an amphora of wine. It was still hot this evening and Frank felt his forehead grow sticky with sweat as he traversed the short distance between his house and Hazel's.

    Heart hammering in his chest, he knocked on the door. Hades was the one to open the door. "Frank!" he said. "Come on in."

     "I brought gifts for you," Frank said, nodding to the cheeses and the wine.

    Frank could tell Hades had a million questions, but he didn't ask any as he led him on in. Frank put down the cheeses and amphora; the other gifts were hidden underneath his cloak. Hades genially led Frank to a seat a seat and put a plate of food and a drinking bowl of diluted wine before him.

     Frank ate the dinner without really tasting anything. His throat felt dry no matter how much he drank. Only when they had all finished eating did he broach the topic he had come here for. "Your daughter, Hazel, is a lovely maiden," Frank said.

    Hades beamed in pride. Frank found that now he had started, the words tumbled out like rocks going downhill. "Hazel is the sweetest and loveliest person I have ever met. When I am with her, I know who I am. She makes me always want to do the right thing, which is why I am asking you if I can marry her."

"I would not marry her against her will," Frank continued, "and I would treat her as the princess she is. I can provide for her. Before I left Mytilene, General Hedge gave me a talent in reward for fighting. I have saved this money and used my wages from the war to buy wedding gifts."

Then, he pulled out what he had gotten: a pair of beautiful new sandals for Hazel, a lovely pair of earrings, and a copper dagger. Hades' brow knitted as he thought. "You bring these as gifts and promise to look after my daughter?" he clarified.

Frank nodded. "And what about the dowry?" Hades asked.

"You would not need to provide one," Frank said.

Hades scratched his chin. "In the case of divorce, the dowry is what the woman gets to keep."

"I could sign a contract legally binding me to pay a stipulated amount annually if that should occur," Frank said.

Hades nodded in satisfaction and turned to his daughter. "And what are your thoughts, Hazel?"

Hazel turned her magnificent gaze from her father to Frank. "It all sounds appealing to me."

Hades smiled slightly. "Then a wedding is in order."

He raised his cup of wine. "To the newly betrothed."

"To the newly betrothed!" everyone said in unison.

As he drank his cup of wine, Frank thought he'd never tasted one sweeter.