Percy spent longer than usual getting ready this morning. Usually, he just grabbed one of chitons (sniffing it to make sure it was clean) and got going. Today, he dressed in his finest chiton: a deep blue one spun of wool. Since it was still cold outside, he slipped on his gray cloak. He took extra care with combing his hair and washing his face.

       When he sat down to have breakfast with the others, his mother commented on his appearance. "Are you going to see about marriage today?"

     Percy nodded, his stomach churning with worry like the heaving sea. "Make sure to bring some gifts with you," Paul advised, "it often softens a father's heart towards a potential groom."

     "Thanks for your help," Percy said.

      After breakfast, he filled a straw basket with gifts for Annabeth's family and headed to the harbor to catch a boat going to Sestos. The two cities were so close that contact between them was quite frequent and Percy was able to pay a fisherman to row him out.

     The fisherman's small boat was wooden and powered by oars. Percy helped the man row the boat forward. As they did so, the man talked about the weather, his greatest catches, and his great dislike for prophets. Seriously, Percy had heard people say prophets were just after their gold, but this guy seemed to have a real vendetta against them.

      When the boat was docked, Percy paid the man and carried his basket ashore. His legs felt a little wobbly and his palms were sweaty. Now that he in Sestos, he realized he had a problem: he didn't know where Annabeth lived. Knocking on every house until he found the right one didn't seem like a good option, so Percy decided to go to the agora and ask around.

    The agora was slightly larger than the one in Abydos and bustling with people. Most of the men wore cloaks like Percy did to ward off the chill. The women wore shawls over their chitons. The air was pleasant with the sound of dozens of conversations going on at once. Sellers hawked their products in loud voices, promising only the finest olive oil, the softest wool, and the freshest vegetables. Buyers and sellers argued over prices, both determined to get a good deal.

Percy felt out of place in the market. He was acutely aware of people's eyes on him. He looked for any familiar faces. Finally, he spotted a guy he knew named Beckendorf carrying a basket of goods in his arms. "Beckendorf!" Percy said as he got close to him.

The taller man looked over his shoulder and a smile spread over his face as he saw who was speaking to him. "Percy, it's been awhile. How are you?"

"My family is doing well," Percy said. "And yours?"

Beckendorf's smile grew. "I'm a father now. Silena gave birth to a daughter named Arete a few months ago. Both my wife and daughter are thriving."

"That's great to hear!" Percy said.

"Thank you," Beckendorf said. "Now I know you didn't come here just to catch up with me. What do you need?"

"I'm looking for the house of Frederick," Percy said.

Beckendorf raised an eyebrow. "You've taken a fancy to his daughter? You wouldn't be the first."

Percy wanted to protest, but there was no use lying. He nodded. Beckendorf gave him directions and Percy said thanks before walking quickly in the hopes that he wouldn't forget. He finally came upon a moderately large house. It was pretty — Annabeth could've pointed out each of the architectural details, but Percy picked up on the general sense of simple harmony.

     He came up to the front door and knocked. He waited. No one came. Just when he was ready to knock again, the door swung open to reveal Frederick. His hair was sandier than Annabeth's, but he had the same air of general curiosity. "Well hello," he said. "Welcome in. Would you like some refreshments?"

     Percy smiled and inclined his head. Frederick led him in and gestured for him to sit down on a wooden stool. "Helen, we have a guest. Give him something to eat. I'll get out some of our wine."

A dark-haired woman, whom Percy presumed to be Helen, set out fragrant bread, olives, and goat cheese. "Thanks," Percy said, giving her a smile.

He was nervous, but he didn't want to seem rude, so he nibbled on an olive. Frederick came a few minutes later and poured some wine for both of them. "Thank you," Percy said. "I have heard of your xenia, Frederick, but you've still managed to surprise me."

This was a bald-faced lie, but Frederick seemed pleased. "My house is humble, but lovely. I'm happy to share it with anyone."

Percy took a sip of wine. How should he broach on the topic. "My name is Perseus, son of Poseidon," Percy began. "I'm a simple, but hardworking man from Abydos."

Frederick nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What brings you here today?"

"I want to speak with you," Percy said, "but first I have some things for you."

He took out the gifts from the basket one by one: an amphora of olive oil, a copper knife, a pair of bronze earrings, and some of his mother's blue loukoumades. Frederick's shrewd eyes looked from the gifts to Percy. "You want to marry my daughter."

Percy blinked rapidly. This was not what he had been expecting. "Yes, I would be a good husband to her," Percy said. "I would take care of her and make her laugh."

Frederick frowned. "Annabeth is a priestess. She is already taken care of."

"Many priestesses end up marrying," Percy said.

"She will not forfeit her position for a marriage — especially not with a man of your social standing," Frederick said. "My daughter would never wish to wed a man like you."

Percy curled his hands into fists. "Why don't you ask her?"

Frederick stood up, his expression slightly distasteful. "My daughter need not be consulted about this. You may go now."

Percy stood up, grabbed the gifts, and left the house in indignant anger. He hadn't even been able to speak with or lay eyes upon Annabeth. How could he tell her that he's failed?