The ancient texts y open before Lucius, their yellowed pages containing the constitutional framework of vampire society since the Evolution. He had studied these documents countless times over centuries, but tonight his purpose was different—to chart the legal path from Archduke to King.

  His fingers traced the critical passage requiring unanimous approval from all Archdukes for elevation to kingship. The obstacle was clear: Orlov would never willingly consent. This single constitutional requirement transformed his millennia-spanning pn into a precise sequence of necessary steps.

  First, Orlov's complete removal through constitutional means. Second, a properly conducted vote among remaining Archdukes. Third, formal ascension under absolute legal legitimacy.

  No shortcuts. No compromises. The path would require extraordinary patience, but the result would be incontestable.

  Lucius allowed his mind to envision the vampire kingdom that would follow—not merely a unified territory but a fundamentally transformed society. He saw banced retionships between species repcing hierarchical domination. Sustainable practices suppnting exploitation. Merit recognition transcending bloodline privilege.

  Moving to his eastward-facing window, Lucius observed the horizon brightening with approaching dawn. Ordinary vampires would be retreating to their chambers, seeking protection from lethal sunlight.

  Instead, he opened the window.

  The first rays of morning sun illuminated his face, harmless against his unique physiology. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to stand in full daylight—a living embodiment of what vampire kind could become under proper guidance.

  "The kingdom will come," he murmured, "but only when the constitutional path is complete."

  As the sun continued rising, Lucius closed the window and withdrew into shadow. The time for daylight existence would come for all vampire kind eventually, but patience remained his greatest virtue.

  The path to kingship was clear, and like everything in his millennia-spanning vision, it would unfold with perfect precision at exactly the right moment.