#hmmmmph

She was stubborn like that. Prideful. Difficult.

But Byleth liked dealing with her.

When she worked at something until she could barely keep her eyes open, it meant rubbing her shoulders and gently distracting her until she acquiesced to the nods, allowing herself to be led to bed.

When she refused to listen, getting that stubborn look - head high, looking away - and continued to insist she was correct, a kiss was the way to bring her back, bring her down. Sometimes a peck would do, but when she was being particularly proud, it perhaps needed to be a bit longer, deeper - distracting.

When it all overwhelmed her - the rule was still hers, despite all her work on top of it to change the system - an invitation to tea. It was not a negotiable invitation, and was issued with the same force she might bring to announce a decree. At tea, there would be talk of cats.

And when it was clear that nothing else would do, when shoulder rubs or kisses or tea were not enough, Byleth had learned that true physical force was needed: Edelgard was small, and quite easy to lift and hold.

Just hold.

The best part was when she became El again: relaxing, her arms wrapping around, her head falling to Byleth's shoulder. She sometimes sighed, or lightly admonished the behavior, but it didn't matter. Her body language spoke far louder than her voice.

"No more emperor today, El."

Almost sarcastic: "Yes, my teacher."