Page 78 of Crown of Serpents

“And his concubines,” Perseus added between gritted teeth.

Medusa placed a hand on his arm, green fire blazing in her eyes.

Perseus turned to Orestes. “If not the main entrance, what other options do we have?”

All eyes fell on the veteran, who had briefly been stationed there as a guard.

“The palace has three other entrances. One by the sea, for food deliveries … but that one can only be accessed by boat. One for servants, in a back alley. And a secret door near the king’s quarters … for the evening entertainment.”

Orestes glanced nervously at Perseus.

“We could sneak in through the secret door and then wait for him in his bed chamber,” Medusa proposed.

“That door only opens when Polydectes expects company. It’s also the most heavily guarded; at least four guards watch the backdoor at all times, and more are posted in front of the bed chamber.”

“I can handle four guards,” Medusa retorted. “And then we have Perseus to save the day.”

“We want to avoid unnecessary bloodshed,” Perseus shook his head. “Our target is Polydectes, not the men that follow him.”

The crew grumbled in agreement.

Andromeda marvelled at the men's sudden eagerness to follow Perseus. Would he truly refuse the throne after their victory?

“If those men chose to follow a tyrant like Polydectes, let them follow him into Tartarus … where they belong,” Medusa spat.

“This crew once, too, followed Polydectes’ orders when they hunted you … would you condemn us to the pits of Tartarus?”

Medusa first glared at him, seemingly toying with the idea of putting Perseus through an eternity of torment, then relented with a nod.

“What’s the best way to minimise casualties?” Elias chimed in.

“The other two entrances are less guarded.” Orestes tapped a spot near the water. “The sea gate, for supplies, is rarely manned, but it's exposed to the harbour. Too many of us landing in armour would be like ringing a dinner bell for the city guards.” His finger slid to a back corner of the palace. “I'd suggest the servants' entrance. The palace usually posts rookiesthere because it smells like piss in the alley.”

Perseus frowned, “Even with fewer guards, how do we get past them without a fight?”

“I might have a solution for that,” Kleos grinned. “I know the tavern the guards frequent. It wouldn't be the first time one passed out under the table. We steal their uniforms and take their place.”

It was a brilliant plan, in Andromeda’s opinion, but Medusa furrowed her brow. “Won’t the guards at the gate be suspicious of two strangers claiming to be the shift change?“

“Orestes did say that they post rookies there,” Kleos said with a confident smirk. “They’ll assume we are new.”

Medusa remained unconvinced, but Perseus intervened. “It is a risk but also an opportunity to avoid violence. I say we try Kleos’ plan, and if it fails, we knock them unconscious.“ He shot a pleading glance at Medusa, then addressed the group, giving each man a chance to contribute, “When and where should we confront Polydectes?”

Nobody responded. They were neither warriors nor strategists. Most had never held a sword before Perseus’s recent lessons. Andromeda, however, had plenty of experience sneaking around palaces.

She stepped forward, straightening her back. “We should attack when the guards are least alert. Early morning, when the night shift is exhausted, or during celebrations, when they're distracted or organise their own gathering in their quarters, even though that’s when they should pay the most attention.”

All eyes turned to her, and she blushed. Andromeda had not meant to interrupt the meeting. Yet, when Kleos met her gaze, his eyes glittering with surprise and admiration, she didn’t regret speaking up.

“Men are easiest to kill when they are drunk,” Medusa mused, a predator’s smile curving her mouth.

Perseus shot her a warning glance but turned toward Aetos. “How many days until the equinox?”

“Four,” rasped Aetos.

Perseus exchanged a worried glance with Kleos, then declared, “Then we shall invade in four days. Polydectes hostshis annual equinox feast — wine, whores, food. He will be drunk and unprepared. We will enter the palace through the servant’s entrance, blend in with the guests, and make our way to the megaron. This feast will be the last Polydectes hosts with the money he extorted from his people!” His voice thundered, lightning sparking in his eyes.

The crew cheered.

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