[Intro — low drum pulse, faint choir chanting single syllables] Hhh… hush… A crown is heavy— But power? Power wears me. [Verse 1 — sly, observant, soft as poison] They whisper in the courtyard, trading secrets for a taste, Hoping I’ll overlook the tremor sitting on their face. But I’ve memorized their footsteps, every pattern, every bluff— A kingdom built on trembling hands is never strong enough. Let them circle like they hunt me, let them think they have a plan— A strategist survives by knowing more than any man. [Pre-Chorus — pizzicato tightening like claws closing] Every false allegiance, Every promise wrapped in lace— I fold them like a playing card And stack them into place. [Chorus — sweeping, cold, calculating rise] ’Cause I’m the queen with no crown— Yet they bow when I inhale. They sharpen knives in secret, But they’re too afraid to fail. I don’t need their hollow praises, Don’t need thrones or jeweled renown— Fear becomes my empire When I’m the queen with no crown. (Whispered choir:) Bow down, bow down… [Verse 2 — darker, confident, smiling through teeth] They hide their little plots beneath rehearsed and fragile lines, But one wrong breath betrays them— I can see their fault designs. I keep my dagger quiet, keep my kindness soft and sweet, But wolves don’t need to bare their fangs To pull you off your feet. Let them underestimate me— It’s almost kind of cute… Their downfall grows like ivy From the lies they substitute. [Pre-Chorus — strings coiling, tension rising] The ones who feign devotion, The ones who play the meek— Forget a silent ruler Is the deadliest to seek. [Chorus — louder, more theatrical, full whispers] ’Cause I’m the queen with no crown— Yet they bow when I inhale. They sharpen knives in shadow, But they’re far too weak to prevail. Their loyalty means nothing, Their truths are paper-thin and brown— Power bends before me While I’m the queen with no crown. (Whispered choir:) Watch them drown… watch them drown… [Bridge — whispered-to-roaring, tight spotlight tension] Let them toast their petty victories, Let them think they’ve claimed the field— But every triumph they believe in Is a weapon I concealed. I lead them where I want them, With a smile they never doubt— A ruler doesn’t conquer— She simply waits them out. [Final Chorus — cold, triumphant, theatrical bloom] I’m the queen with no crown— Still they crumble when I rise. I don’t need gold or jewels When I see truth behind their eyes. Their empire built on secrets Is already burning down— And when the smoke is falling, I’ll be the last one crowned. (Whispered choir, fading:) Queen… no crown… still throne-bound…

The Queen With No Crown (P4)