Beauty, in the Beast World

City of Fangs and Claws

{AN: While the Ape King remains unnamed in the original Manhua, I have chosen to name him Isaac for the purposes of this story. This chapter will open with a perspective from Isaac himself, offering a deeper insight into his character. Additionally, the cover for this chapter was generated using Gencraft and features Qin from Beauty and the Beasts. I want to clarify that I do not own this character or the Manhua. Thank you for understanding as we delve into this tale!}

{The Ape King's POV}

Isaac, accompanied by his wolf and tiger guards, made his way back to the Ape Castle, where Qin awaited his return. His thoughts churned as he walked, wondering how his mate would react to the news about Winston. He knew she had long set her eyes on the tetra-marked male, hoping to bring him under her influence. As they approached the grand stone fortress nestled within the jungle, Isaac dismissed his guards and made his way toward their private chambers.

"Qin," Isaac called out, his voice filled with forced cheer as he entered the room. "I'm home, and I have some news for you."

His beautiful mate turned toward him, her piercing cerulean eyes narrowing as they met his. Her long Persian blue hair cascaded down her shoulders in soft waves, framing her striking face. "Is Winston back in the City?" Qin asked, a hopeful gleam in her eyes.

Isaac hesitated but answered truthfully. "He is, but..." He took a deep breath before continuing. "He has chosen one of the new females as his mate, and she has accepted him."

Qin's expression twisted, disappointment and anger flashing across her features. "You were supposed to bring him to me!" she snapped, her voice sharp. "I needed him here, under my control, so I could get that emerald he's been hoarding!"

Isaac tried to placate her, stepping closer. "I am sorry, Qin. Haven't I already provided you with enough emeralds? Do I not meet your needs?"

Qin's eyes flared, her voice rising with frustration. "It's not just about the emeralds, Isaac!" she exclaimed. "You promised me the loyalty of every beast clan! You promised I would be Queen of all the Beasts, not merely Queen of the Ape Clan!"

Isaac lowered his head, feeling the weight of her words. "And after ten years, we are so close to that goal," he said, trying to soothe her. "As soon as your contact from the Merfolk reaches out, we will seize control of the world's salt supply, and from there, we will control every clan. We will rule as we intended."

"But I want to be Queen now!" Qin cried, stomping her foot in frustration, her cerulean eyes flashing with impatience.

Isaac reached out, his hand brushing her arm gently. "And you will be," he promised, his voice tender despite the turmoil between them. "Please, just a little more patience."

Qin's anger simmered down as she gazed at him, her expression softening ever so slightly. "I will wait... but not for much longer," she warned, her tone still laced with tension. "Now, what is this news you have for me?"

A smile crept onto Isaac's face as he watched her mood shift. "The female who has captured Winston's attention is an Ocean Snake, from the sea, like you."

Qin's eyes brightened with sudden interest. "Really?! An Ocean Snake? Where is she? I must meet her!" she exclaimed, her earlier irritation melting away. "Finally, I will have a female to befriend who is almost as beautiful as I am."

Isaac chuckled at her enthusiasm. "I will take you to meet her at the bonfire celebration tonight," he said, pride and satisfaction in his voice. "I want to examine her as well. I suspect she may be pregnant, and strangely, it appears to be out of season."

Qin raised an eyebrow at this. "She probably is," she confirmed with a knowing nod. "The Ocean Snake female I once knew when I lived in the sea, her name was Icella. She was always pregnant. Snake females and mermaids can conceive at any time, but the conditions must be right. There has to be a deep, unbreakable bond of love between her and her mates for it to happen."