Today marked Kyle's sixteenth birthday, a significant milestone in the cultivation world, as it was when most young masters formally entered society, and their social standing was solidified.
Kyle stirred awake to find Nuna already moving quietly about his room, laying out formal attire on the bed with practiced precision.
She had risen before dawn, as always, but today there was something different in her movements, as if she were preparing sacred artifacts rather than clothing.
"Good morning, Kyle," she said softly, noticing he was awake. "Happy birthday."
Kyle sat up, running a hand through his tousled hair. "Thank you, Nuna." He paused, watching her gentle movements. "You know, you're the first person to wish me happy birthday, and twice the same day."
Nuna turned, her expression tender. "And I'm honored to be the first."
The formal robes she had selected were magnificent, deep midnight blue silk embroidered with silver threading, the Ravenshade family crest worked in gold at the chest.
The outer robe was lined with spirit-beast fur that would help regulate his qi throughout the long day ahead.
"The seamstresses worked through the night to finish the adjustments," Nuna explained as Kyle approached. "Your father wanted everything perfect."
"As it should be."
Kyle stood before her in his undergarments as she began the process of dressing him, a ritual that had become intimate over the past months, but today felt especially significant.
Nuna started with the inner layer, a soft white silk shirt that clung to his now-muscular frame.
Her fingers worked the small buttons with deliberate care, occasionally brushing against his chest.
Kyle could feel her Qi; she was stronger now than when they first met when he awoke, as if being near him had somehow enhanced her own cultivation.
He suspected that, in a way, though Nuna was not using any dual cultivation technique, she must be benefiting in some way from his Yang Qi, even though it was minimal.
"You've been practicing your qi circulation," Kyle observed as her hands moved to adjust the collar.
"Every night," she admitted quietly. "I want to be worthy of standing beside you."
Kyle caught her hands, stilling them. "Nuna, you don't need to—"
"I do," she interrupted, her eyes meeting his. "Today, everyone will see you as the heir to House Ravenshade. Eventually, they'll see your power, your potential, your bright future," Her voice caught slightly on the last words. "But I want to be more than just your partner. I want to be someone who can protect you, too."
Kyle brought her hands to his lips, kissing each palm softly. "You already protect me in ways you don't even realize."
A soft blush colored her cheeks, but she gently pulled her hands free to continue dressing him.
Next came the formal vest, its intricate embroidery depicting the constellation under which Kyle had been born.
Nuna's fingers traced the silver threads as she fastened the clasps, her touch sending small jolts through his spine.
"The embroidery tells a story, you can say it's a little detail I had added," she murmured as she worked. "Your birth under the Phoenix constellation, your awakening of power, and..." she paused at a section near his heart, "your destined path."
Kyle looked down at the intricate needlework. Hidden among the constellation patterns was a small, almost invisible figure of a woman with flowing hair. "Did you add that?"
Nuna's cheeks reddened. "The seamstresses asked what should go there. I may have... suggested something."
Kyle's heart swelled. Even in his formal birthday robes, she had found a way to be with him. Preparing for a Destiny together.
The outer robe came next, its weight significant both physically and symbolically. As Nuna settled it around his shoulders, Kyle felt the mantle of responsibility settling with it.
Today would determine much of his future.
Nuna moved behind him to adjust the drape of the robe, her hands smoothing the fabric across his broad shoulders. In the mirror, Kyle could see her concentrated expression as she ensured every fold was perfect.
"There will be many important people today," she said quietly, straightening his collar. "Sect leaders, noble families, perhaps even representatives from the Imperial Academy."
"Nervous about meeting them?" Kyle asked, watching her in the reflection.
"No," she replied, surprising him with her firm tone. "Let them see how magnificent you are. Let them see why you're worthy of their respect." Her hands stilled on his shoulders. "But Kyle... after today, things will change, won't they? Soon, you won't be known as Kyle the crippled heir anymore."
Kyle turned to face her, seeing the vulnerability she was trying to hide.
"Some things will change," he admitted. "But not everything. Not us."
Nuna nodded, but Kyle could see the uncertainty in her eyes.
"It irks me to think people think ill of you, and say such demeaning things still. You should prove the wrong, or I might end up cutting limbs off of anyone who dares to badmouth you." Kyle only smiled at her pouting face.
"Well, I'll admit, I like being underestimated; there's no freedom quite like the freedom of being constantly underestimated. And this world may be full of greed, tragedy, and darkness, but I am fortunate beyond measure to have you by my side, and my family. Everyone else is of no consequence."
Nuna blushed deeply and scrambled around to continue dressing him up. The last elements were the ceremonial accessories.
Nuna fastened a jade pendant around his neck, a family heirloom that would help soothe his mind during the day's ceremonies.
Her fingers brushed against his throat as she secured the clasp, and Kyle had to fight the urge to pull her closer.
Next came the formal boots, their leather crafted from a spirit beast and inscribed with protective formations. Nuna knelt to help him into them, her movements graceful despite the intimate position.
"Perfect," she whispered as she stood, stepping back to admire her work.
Kyle looked at himself in the full-length mirror. He barely recognized the formal young master staring back. His slick black hair was plastered with gel.
Gone was any trace of his previous weak self. But when he looked at Nuna's reflection beside him, he saw the truth in her admiring gaze.
To her, he wasn't a political piece or a noble figure. He was simply Kyle, the man who she adored, the person who protected her, and loved her. Her world.
"Thank you," he said, turning to cup her face in his hands. "For everything."
Before she could respond, Kyle leaned down and kissed her. When they separated, Nuna straightened his collar one final time, her fingers lingering.
"Go show them who you are, Kyle Ravenshade," she whispered.
Last thing, he slipped slipped the artefact ring his father had given him onto him index finger.