After the ceremony came the grand presentation of gifts.
The seven new Queens gathered around Liu Qian, receiving congratulations and tributes from across the world alongside him.
The merchants of the Free Cities cared deeply about appearances, and their gifts were splendid and expensive.
Qohor sent an enormous, intricately woven tapestry.
Pentos presented a gold drinking set inlaid with ivory and emeralds.
Braavos offered an exquisite Cyvasse set carved from gemstones.
Each gift drew murmurs of wonder from the guests.
The envoys from the Summer Isles and the Basilisk Isles took an entirely different approach, bringing living wonders.
Rare birds with brilliantly colored plumage sang in gilded cages, while animal trainers led docile little spotted leopards.
The most eye-catching gift was a lively, adorable baby chimpanzee presented by the representatives of the Summer Isles. Its comical movements left some of the ladies present both frightened and unable to suppress little cries of wonder.
As Liu Qian watched these animals from the distant south, a hint of surprise and interest appeared on his face.
The gifts from the slave masters of Slaver's Bay were blunt and straightforward.
One hundred Unsullied soldiers and one hundred beautiful maidservants.
Rather than congratulations, this gift was more of a sales promotion.
The representatives of Qarth and Asabhad had their merchant guilds step forward, each presenting ten large merchant sailing ships.
For these two city-states, these gifts were substantial indeed.
Next, the delegations from the far east stepped forward.
The Yidi merchants carried exquisitely crafted celadon vases and painted dishes and cups with brilliantly colored glazes.
"Your Majesty..."
Their leader said, "We come from Tiqu, the ancient capital of Yidi. We have crossed the oceans to offer you gifts and congratulations on your wedding."
A gleam flashed through Liu Qian's eyes at those words.
He had