The Council of Evolved stood in perfect formation behind Nova as he entered Lucius's study. The king gnced up from his desk, where implementation reports from the cultural reformation were spread in precise stacks.

  "We require your attention for an official matter," Nova decred, his tone carrying the formal authority they had rehearsed.

  Lucius set down his pen, giving them his full focus. "Proceed."

  Nova stepped forward and presented an ornate document bearing eleven distinct seals—one from each Council member. "By unanimous decision of the Council of Evolved, you are hereby relieved of all duties for a period of no less than one month, effective immediately."

  Lucius blinked, the only sign of surprise he would permit himself. "On what grounds?"

  "Two thousand years of continuous service without respite," Valerian said, stepping forward to stand beside Nova. "No being, not even the progenitor of our species, can function optimally without periodic restoration."

  Lucius's gaze moved from his brother to Nova, then swept across the assembled Council. Each face held the same resolute determination. "This is unnecessary—"

  "It is decided," Nova interrupted. He gestured toward the door where servants waited with a discreet distance. "Your affairs have been arranged. The Council will manage all implementation matters. Baron Cassian will oversee security protocols. Countess Sera will handle resource management. Duke Maximilian will continue technological integration."

  As Nova continued assigning responsibilities, Lucius remained perfectly still, his expression unreadable. When the assignments concluded, he finally spoke.

  "This intervention is well-intentioned but misguided. There are seventeen critical projects requiring immediate attention—"

  "All addressed," Nova assured him, producing a second document with detailed arrangements for each project. "Every matter has been assigned to appropriate Council members with clear protocols for decisions requiring your specific authority."

  For perhaps the first time in two millennia, Lucius appeared genuinely at a loss. "What am I meant to do during this... vacation?"

  The question contained such genuine bewilderment that several Council members exchanged concerned gnces. Valerian's expression softened with brotherly understanding.

  "Nothing reted to governance, pnning, or implementation," Nova replied, his formal tone giving way to gentler encouragement. "No reports. No strategies. No evaluations."

  Lucius stared at him, his analytical mind visibly struggling with a concept it had never needed to address. "Then what purpose would such time serve?"

  Nova smiled, stepping closer while the Council maintained a respectful distance. "That's for you to discover." He extended his hand toward the vampire who had loved him through prophetic dreams for eighteen centuries before he was born. "Let's have fun."

  Lucius looked at the offered hand as if it were a completely foreign object, then slowly reached out to take it.

  The vacation had officially begun.