#* before.

“I assure you, your Excellency, that I am perfectly well.”  The words are empty and polite and cheerful and --- perfect.  just like her diamond.  Pearl remembers --- or think she remembers --- that Blue Diamond has always been the most empathetic of their Leaders.  And Pearl has not seen the other Diamonds --- or, truly, any gem outside White --- in what feels like a very long time; this is the first time Blue Diamond has seen the CRACKING.  it hurts.  The smile never falls but something in her chest aches aches aches; it is a kindness, the concern this Diamond shows, and one that the servant has grown unused to.  Her thoughts go hazy for a moment.  “I am --- perfect.”

"don't think about it too hard."

But the discomfort doesn’t show.  Her smile remains as perfect as it has ever been (  as perfect as her diamond commands  ) as she speaks --- “Is all well, Your Excellency?  White Diamond has told me you are being reclusive and asked me to see if you are well.”

Her hands twitch but the posture neither fails no falls; eery smile still settled across the Pearl’s damaged face.  A single pale eye seems to stare past the Diamond rather than at her.  “I apologize, My Diamond,” she murmurs in that cheerful monotone.  “White Diamond is not receiving visitors.  May I assist you in her stead?”