[Intro: Seven-beat piano descending into low brass]

[Verse 1]
The chamber bore no banner on the wall,
No guard, no window, no tribunal hall.
He poured the wine but never touched the glass.
He spoke of frightened laws the elders passed.
Why teach a healer how to close a wound,
Then call command of death itself unsound?

[Refrain]
The throne spoke softly; no command was heard.
It placed a blade inside a gentle word.
The throne spoke softly; every measured phrase
Made forbidden doors resemble hidden ways.

[Verse 2]
He knew the dream before I named the bed,
And knew the final sentence she had said.
He watched the blood retreat beneath my skin,
Then smiled as if he heard the lock give in.
"They praise your strength while keeping you unwise.
They call it balance when a loved one dies.
The order fears the truths that you might learn;
Lesser men protect their right to turn."

[Pre-Chorus]
I asked where such a power could be found.
He let the silence tighten all around.
"No teacher gives what students must create,
But I can show you where they sealed the gate."

[Chorus]
The throne spoke softly: "You can end the grave.
What use is virtue if it cannot save?
Take all the strength your fearful elders hide;
A loving act needs courage, not a guide."
No chain was fastened, no decree was signed.
He only gave my terror words to find.

[Verse 3]
I named my mentor, council, oath and blade.
He named the graves their hesitation made.
He never asked me whom I would betray;
He asked how many deaths delay could weigh.
I entered as a knight who sought advice.
I left rehearsing how to name the price.

[Instrumental Break: Low strings consume the blue-blade theme]

[Bridge]
"You want no empire, only one more breath.
You seek no crown, only a cure for death."
The lie was clean because one part was true:
I did not want the world. I wanted you.

[Build-up]
A red line split the polished floor.
Three low notes turned into four.
My cracked insignia caught the gleam;
I heard her voice inside the dream.

[Final Chorus]
The throne spoke softly: "Choose before they choose.
The fearful wait; the worthy dare to lose.
Take my hand, and death will understand."
He made control resemble love's command.
No chain was fastened, yet I crossed the floor;
Something in me locked the final door.

[Outro: Blue blade falls; low brass sustains]