The Sailor Switch

Chapter 4: An Encounter with Beryl

TERMS: -sama: honorific conveying great respect

     Usagi and Naru walked through the palace together, talking about how they would get a uniform the color of Naru's bow, not realizing there was someone listening to them.

"Hey, you two servant girls! Come here!" they hear a voice say commandingly. The girls, startled by the sound, look up- and see the Princess Serenity- or since she has not ascended the throne yet, Beryl.

"Beryl-sama! Please forgive our horrible rudeness!" both girls quickly say, curtsying like their mother taught them in case they ever ran into the Princess. Beryl demanded that when she passed by, everybody bow or curtsy to her. Terrified, the staff agreed, for they feared her wrath.

"I find myself in need of a serving maid," Beryl said, looking down her nose as best she could at the two curtsying girls. "Which of you is the eldest?" she asked the two cowering girls.

"I am, Beryl-sama," Usagi whispered, scared that Beryl would get angry if she showed impertinence, as Beryl put it when she dismissed a servant for no real reason.

"Hmm. What are your talents, girl?" Beryl asked (though it was more of a command than a request).

"Well, Beryl-sama, I can cook, clean, and I am skilled in caring for clothes and keeping them in good condition. I also know how to dress a lady for events, and I can read and write reasonably well." Usagi listed. I don't know why she wants to know, but it can't be good, Usagi thought to herself. Beside her, Naru quietly let out a small whimper of fear. Usagi grabbed her hand discreetly and gave it a small squeeze.

"That is all I need to know. Dismissed." Beryl commanded, taking pleasure in the small squeak of fear she heard from the auburn-haired one. The blonde remained stoic, however, and left, holding the auburn-haired one's hand. Beryl thought to herself, The blonde has some nerve. If she is to be a lady-in-waiting fit for me, I must curb that streak in her. Yes, she'll do nicely. I'll mention to Mother tomorrow that I require a new lady-in-waiting, and that I have already chosen which servant I want. Then, we will see about extinguishing that spark of hers. Beryl chuckled to herself as she walked back to her chambers. Every servant who heard feared for the poor soul that had managed to incur Beryl's wrath.