The statue was set in the center of the courtyard. A vicious snake, curled around a rock, about to strike, mouth opened with fangs bared. Pavri stared as men grunted and eased it into place, standing on the balcony and looking down at the scene. It was perfect, exactly what he asked for. The snake was painted an iridescent green, golden tipped scales and fangs. Pavri crossed his arms over his chest, looking from the statue out to the sea. There was a ship coming in, one of the few that were making it through their extensive security checks.

He supposed it was necessary, but he knew his people were struggling.

He looked behind him, at the figure sitting by a pile of books, staring out the window. Perhaps this was the only good thing to come from this war. His concubine had come from Nania, the enemy kingdom. He crossed the room to sit by them. They had come just before the war had begun. After it had a mass of people were forcibly removed and sent back to Nania. They had avoided it because of him. He sunk into their side.

"Are you doing well, my dear?" He rumbled. He hadn't told his people about them, though he knew that having concubines was common. They were the enemy to the people, technically.