With how direct Amalickiah was about what he wanted, some might underestimate his capacity for subtlety and patience. He was overt about wanting to be king of the Nephites. He was direct in stirring up the Lamanites to fight the Nephites, but when they refused he was able to shift seamlessly to an indirect path to become king of the Lamanites.
He gained the favor of the king, learned the disposition of the Lamanites and then used every means fall up in power without directly being seen seeking it: take over my armies (instead of fighting) and put me under you; feign loyalty to the king (despite arranging his death) and marry the queen rather than conquering the city. Later he will convince the Lamanites to change their minds before he tries to order them to war.
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