The Underworld Ball (Book 2 in the Aphrodite's daughter series)

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

                Poseidon and I rode our horses to the outer limits of the city where the seas began. The sun had begun to set over the horizon and the sea looked so alive. Mermaids basked in last of the sun’s rays as they watched the stars begin to slowly appear. The water sprites danced across the water while dolphins splashed around their feet. I slipped out of my sandals as Poseidon led me down the beach. The sand between my toes was absolutely heaven. No rocks marred this perfect sand that felt like silk.

                “Ok, close your eyes.” Poseidon looked at me with a giant grin and I, reluctantly, obeyed him. “Don’t peak.”

                I suddenly felt Poseidon’s cool hand slip into mine and tug me forward. We walked for a good ten minutes before I was abruptly brought to a halt. He released my hand to only place both of his over my eyes. I tried to hide my gasp as I felt his body press against my back. His breath was warm against my ear and a shiver ran down my spine. Something inside me began to stir and a warm feeling began to settle in my stomach. It wasn’t an unpleasant feeling, but the guilt that seemed to follow felt like it was going to crush me.

                “Are you ready?” Unable to speak, I simply bobbed my head. He released me and I realize we were standing at the edge of a small, crescent cliff. It wasn’t very deep and the rocks layered out to form a small amphitheater. Creatures of all shapes and sizes were gathered on the rocks watching as a group of young women sat on half submerged rocks at the bottom.  Each one had their own instrument that had been created by the sea. A girl with long red hair that covered her breast and acted as her only piece of clothing besides her short skirt made from nets and sea grass, held a harp made out of pearls. The others who were dressed similarly hade coral flutes and sea shell clappers. I was absolutely amazed.

                “What are they? They aren’t mermaids or nymphs. They look human.” Poseidon chuckled beside me.

                “Don’t let them hear you say that. They’re sirens.” I whirled around with concern.

                “I thought that a siren’s song killed people?” Poseidon placed an arm over my shoulder and led me to a pair of plush looking rocks, layered in sea moss. I was thankful that they weren’t slimy, but actually soft to the touch.

                “To a human, the siren’s song has hypnotic properties, but immortals are not subject to it. Instead we simply enjoy the siren’s song like a human would enjoy an opera.” I relaxed a little.

                When the sun finally ducked beneath the seas and the rays of sun were replaced with the soft glow of a full moon, the sirens began to play. It was hard to believe that anyone, mortal or immortal, could resist their lore. I was leaning forward in my seat, mesmerize.

                It wasn’t until Poseidon placed his hand on top of mine that I realized, I was leaning so far forward that I was actually standing on the edge of the rocks about to step off. Panic hit me and I jumped back falling right into Poseidon’s lap. I blushed and tried to pull myself up, but Poseidon had a firm grip on me and a mischievous grin on his face. This was a side of Poseidon I hadn’t seen in a few months and my insides began to twist.

                “Poseidon, let me go.” I tried to keep a light tone, but I could tell it came out a little panicked.

                “A queen is not meant to sit on a mere rock; a king should be your throne.” His tone was arrogant.

                “When you see one, let me know.”  I chuckled nervously. Pushing my way out of his arms was easy with my new strength that came with being a full god.