The Cost of the Crown - Mercedes Lackey & Shandeen

✦Lyrics: Mercedes Lackey

✦Vocals: Shandeen

✦Art: Wang Ling (wlop)
https://www.deviantart.com/wlop

✦Track: The Cost of the Crown

✦Album: Lovers, Lore & Loss: Songs From the "Heralds of Valdemar" Trilogy
http://www.firebirdarts.com/product_i...
http://www.firebirdarts.com/product_i...

✦Lyrics:
The stars are very beautiful above the palace walls
They shine with equal splendor still above far humbler halls
I watch them from my window, but their bright, entrancing glow
Reminds me of the freedom I gave up so long ago

The royal circlet of bright gold rests lightly on my brow
I once thought only of the rights this circlet would endow
But once I took the crown to which I had been schooled and bred
I found it heavy on the heart, though light upon the head

Although I am the head of state, in truth I am the least
The true Queen knows her people fed, before she sits to feast
The good Queen knows her people safe, before she takes her rest
Thinks twice and thrice and yet again, before she makes request

For they are all my children, all that I swore to defend
It is my duty to become both Queen and trusted friend—
And of my children high and low, from beggar to above
The dearest are my Heralds, who return my care with love

The dearest are my Heralds, swift to spring to my command
Who give me aid and fellowship, who always understand
That land and people first have needs that I may not deny—
So I must send my dearest friends to danger—and to die

A friend, a love, a child—it matters not. I know indeed
That I must sacrifice them all if there should be the need
They know, and they forgive me—doing more than I require
With willing minds and loving hearts go straight to grasp the fire

These tears that burn my eyes are all the tears the Queen can't shed
The tears I weep in silence as I mourn my Heralds dead
O Gods that dwell beyond the stars, if you can hear my cry—
And if you have compassion—let me send no more to die!