Just as a silence steeped in despair and anger filled the hall, Petyr Baelish stepped forward again.
He gently twirled his carefully trimmed goatee, his trademark mischievous smile returning to his face.
His voice was smooth as silk. "My lord, your terms... are far too harsh. Even the gods in heaven could not fulfill them. Our delegation came with the utmost sincerity, hoping to establish a... mutually beneficial, long-term relationship with you."
He spread his hands and paced gracefully through the vast hall, his soles making faint sounds against the cold stone tiles.
"Why don't we both make some concessions? Perhaps some of the items on this list could be left out, and the specific amounts are not beyond negotiation.
"After all."
He stopped, his eyes intent on Liu Qian upon the dais. "A stable, even friendly Seven Kingdoms would be crucial to your future grand ambitions..."
"Crucial?"
Liu Qian deliberately drew out the word, his skepticism undisguised. "Tell me, then. In what way are you important to me?"
Littlefinger's smile grew even brighter. "We are your potential, most loyal allies, my lord."
"Allies?"
Liu Qian gave a cold laugh. "Allies? To think there are actually people in this world who call those they fight on the battlefield allies."
Petyr's smile deepened. "My lord, allow me to speak frankly. The Seven Kingdoms may have had some... misunderstandings with you, but we are by no means your true enemies. Let us consider this: now that you have seized the jewel that is Tyrosh, which powers truly leave you feeling a thorn in your side, unable to eat or sleep in peace? Is it the closely allied Free Cities of Pentos, Myr, and Lys, right on your doorstep? Or the Seven Kingdoms, far across the Narrow Sea, with more than enough troubles