Shimmering Blood

Chapter 20- garden

AN: STEVEN UNIVERSE DOESN'T BELONG TO ME ONLY TO REBECCA SUGAR AND CARTOON NETWORK.

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Pink Diamond's joy was infectious. Even in the face of scolding or a rebellion brewing on distant planets, she maintained a bright outlook that seemed impossible for a leader in her position. Every day was a new opportunity, a fresh beginning, and Pink embraced it with open arms, her cheerful spirit a stark contrast to the solemn air often surrounding the Diamonds.

"Pink, we've all noticed your growth over these last few months," Yellow Diamond said, her tone unusually softened by a rare glimmer of approval. Reclining on her grand throne in the Diamond Palace, she regarded Pink with crossed legs and her chin resting on one hand, her gaze scrutinizing yet almost proud. "You've transformed from a...reckless, almost useless Diamond into a proper monarch."

Blue Diamond's eyes widened at Yellow's blunt words, and she turned to glare at her.

"Yellow, show a little tact," Blue scolded, her voice laced with irritation. "Pink's behavior was largely due to that wretched Pearl who defected. A Pearl abandoning her post to 'play' with a Diamond-well, it was bound to bring trouble from the start." Blue shook her head, the shimmering fabric of her hood falling back, revealing her cool blue eyes and delicate, pale hair. Her cloak bore intricate golden trims, interwoven with dark, elegant patterns-a royal design befitting her refined, almost melancholic air.

"Blue, darling, you're raving again," White Diamond murmured from her throne above, her lips curving into an amused smile. She adored these rare gatherings when the Diamonds could meet as sisters, not just rulers. White cherished these moments, aware of how seldom they occurred amid their endless responsibilities.

Blue sighed, closing her eyes briefly to regain her composure. "Apologies, White. But it's true, and you know it. If that Pearl dared to set foot on Homeworld now, I wouldn't shatter her-I'd see her face a punishment far worse than death!" Her voice shook with an edge of bitterness as she imagined the traitorous Pearl, her anger surfacing before she closed her eyes, calming herself.

Pink, her characteristic warmth undiminished, smiled in response. "Either way, thank you, Yellow. That might be the nicest thing you've ever said to me." Her gaze softened as she looked at her more stoic sister, her usually sunny demeanor tempered by the gravity of the conversation.

Yellow scowled, her temper flaring as usual. "Don't let it go to your head, Pink. You still have a rebellion to crush. If I were in your place, I'd have ended this farce ages ago!"

Pink chuckled, shaking her head slightly. She knew Yellow's fierce approach to warfare and command, and though they differed in methods, she respected her sister's tenacity.

"Let's not linger on it," Blue interjected, waving a hand dismissively. "This rebellion leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. At least Moonstone is proving to be a valuable asset. Compared to my Generals, he is leagues ahead." She huffed, visibly uncomfortable with the topic of conflict, her court known more for artistry and diplomacy than for battle. Yellow's court had always carried the brunt of Homeworld's military might, a fact that Blue was secretly grateful for.

Yellow sighed, rolling her eyes. "Speaking of distractions, Blue, didn't you say you had something else to discuss?" She raised a brow, grateful for a change in topic and for White's faint smile of encouragement.

"Ah, yes! I nearly forgot." Blue straightened, her tone shifting to something lighter. "Pink, as a reward for your dedication and growth, I had my court create a special garden just for you." Her voice brimmed with pride as she clasped her hands together, a glint of excitement in her usually serene gaze.