Emerald Walls

[Intro – delicate harp melody, distant castle bell] (Instrumental Solo) [Verse 1 – gentle piano chords, soft cello undercurrent] Emerald curtains frame the gray sky Towering stones where her days pass by Guards march slow 'round the courtyard edge She counts their steps, counts the words left unsaid [Pre-Chorus – rising string swells, faint harp trill] Her mother's locket hangs 'round her neck King's quiet sighs keep her heart in check She's the last thread of the royal name Locked away to keep the flame [Chorus 1 – full string section, soft drum beat, warm vocal harmony] Emerald walls keep the world outside But they can't keep her quiet pride She don't want a prince she's never known Don't want a crown that feels like stone [Verse 2 – harp arpeggios, soft viola line] King calls a guard to carry his word To the prince whose lands are heard A marriage pact to keep their throne safe She overhears, her hands start to shake [Pre-Chorus 2 – intensified string swells, building piano] He says the ball will be their first meet A golden chance to make the future complete But her chest tightens, her eyes start to burn She don't want a life she didn't earn [Chorus 2 – layered vocals, richer string arrangement, subtle tambourine] Emerald walls keep the world outside But they can't keep her quiet pride She don't want a prince she's never known Don't want a crown that feels like stone She wants to see the wild, open green Not a gilded cage where she's meant to be [Bridge – sparse piano, soft vocal delivery] She traces cracks in her bedroom glass Wonders if the wind will ever pass Through these walls to carry her voice To a place where she has a choice [Interlude – harp and violin duet, ethereal atmosphere] (Instrumental Solo) [Final Chorus – full orchestral arrangement, powerful vocal climax] Emerald walls keep the world outside But they can't keep her quiet pride She'll walk into that ball with her head held high She'll find her own way, she'll reach for the sky She don't want a prince she's never known She'll build her own throne, she'll make it her home [Outro – fading harp melody, distant castle bell] The wind whispers soft through the stone Her story's just begun, not yet done