[Intro — hushed, breathy, ominous tension] Shh… Power isn’t taken. It’s… offered. Usually by mistake. [Verse 1 — smooth, serpentine, quietly dangerous] Every smile in the crowd is a wager dressed in silk, Promises poured sweeter than forbidden milk. But beneath their gentle laughter Lies a battlefield of schemes— Where every “friend” is plotting In the corners of their dreams. I walk the hall like nothing’s wrong, A shadow dressed in light… It’s easier to rule the room When they forget you hold a bite. [Pre-Chorus — strings tighten like coiling rope] And every careless gesture, Every look they think I miss… Gives away their motives In a silent serpent’s hiss. [Chorus — calculated, chilling, powerful] So I watch them dance— Every step in sync with mine, Every whispered doubt revealing Who’s pretending to align. I don’t crave their loyalty, Just the truth beneath their tone… A kingdom built on secrets Is a throne I’ll rule alone. The bold ones always falter When they think they’re overthrown. [Verse 2 — colder, more intricate] Some swear their faith with trembling hands, But truths don’t shake that way— The honest stand too firmly To let shadows lead them astray. Others spin their riddles In a pretty looping chain, But one tug on the string And they unravel in my name. They think they move in silence, They think I cannot see… But a liar loses power Once they speak too cleverly. [Pre-Chorus — knowing, razor-thin smile] Trust is just a bargain No one truly means to keep… It’s better to control them Than be fooled into believing sleep. [Chorus — heavier drums, more commanding] So I watch them dance— Every step in sync with mine, Every whispered doubt revealing Who’s pretending to align. I don’t crave their loyalty, Just the truth beneath their tone… A kingdom built on secrets Is a throne I’ll rule alone. The bold ones always falter When they think they’re overthrown. [Bridge — whispered choir, close to the listener’s ear] Let them think they’ve trapped me, Let them think I bow— But puppets don’t fear traitors When they’re the one directing how. I map their little footsteps, I count how far they stray— The sharpest claws go harmless When you hold them where they stay. [Final Chorus — triumphant, shadowed, chillingly calm] So I watch them dance— Close enough to feel them breathing, Close enough to hear the tremor In the lies they cling to, seething. I don’t need their friendship, Just the echo of each lie… I’ll build my reign on silence, On the truths they can’t deny. And when the moment ripens, I’ll step forward—standing tall… You cannot wound the ruler Who never trusted you at all.

Court of Quiet Daggers (P3)