The former palace of the Prince of Tyrhos had now been transformed into Liu Qian's temporary royal residence.
Traffic thronged the palace gates, amid a deafening clamor.
Wealthy merchants, envoys, and their attendants from the Nine Free Cities, and even dark-skinned nobles in splendid feathers from the distant Summer Isles, had gathered here solely to witness the mysterious Eastern conqueror's coronation.
The air smelled of expensive perfume, sweat, and the rank odor of horses.
The Targaryen siblings' litter stopped before the palace gates.
The three stepped out and were immediately engulfed by the surging crowds and the din.
Using his status, Illyrio led the uneasy Viserys and the skittish Daenerys through successive guard inspections and into the palace's front garden.
This garden symbolized the Prince of Tyrosh's wealth and standing.
The broad lawns were immaculately trimmed, with carefully designed waterways crisscrossing them. Clear water glittered in the sunlight and converged at a huge alabaster fountain in the center.
Purple wisteria in full bloom covered the pavilion, giving off a rich fragrance.
The flower beds held exotic flowers and plants from around the world, their dazzling colors competing for splendor.
In the garden, merchants and nobles dressed in sumptuous silks of every color and adorned with brilliant jewels held exquisite silver wine cups. They gathered in small groups, conversing quietly, false smiles on their faces while their eyes constantly swept over one another in appraisal.
Maidservants in simple, elegant linen dresses flitted like butterflies among flowers, carrying heavy silver trays and distributing delicacies such as chilled wine, honey-coated roast larks, and spice-filled seafood pies to the guests.
In the square at the garden's center, a famous troupe from Braavos was performing with gusto.
Several dwarfs in exaggerated, comical costumes were performing one of the most popular satirical farces of the day,