The Beauty's Hidden Beast

43 - Grains and Wine (1.56k words)

Yaya's POV

I clapped my hands sharply, the sound slicing through the murmurs around us. "Well, that's settled then!" I announced, drawing the crowd's attention. "With everyone here as witnesses, the results between Parker's and Tony's duel have determined the outcome of their deal, not that it mattered anyway. If Parker can't even agree to such an easy condition, you must all agree that he doesn't deserve to be my cub's male."

Queen Memi sighed, her hands clasped together, her eyes shimmering with tears, "Cub, just agree."

"I understand." Parker grunted, "I accept Tony as Qingqing's head male."

"Good," Tony released his hold on the leopard and extended a hand, "Get up. I don't want Qingqing to see her males in a sorry state like this."

Bai ran and jumped on Tony, wrapping her arms around him, "I was so scared! Are you okay?"

"Qingqing..." Parker dropped a few pitiful tears, his voice shaking, "It hurts..."

"Oh no!" Bai cried, letting go of Tony, "I'll go get the med-kit."

"There's no need." Parker smiled, wiping the fake tears, "It will heal in a few hours. I just wanted a hug from my beautiful female."

"Parker," Bai blushed, slapping him on the shoulder, "You're such a dummy."

I nodded slightly in Queen Memi's direction, "I will accompany our cubs to receive their rations from the Ape King. Should you require anything further, Muir will take charge in my absence," I said before taking my leave.

Muir walked toward Queen Memi, bowing respectfully, "Would you honor us by staying a little longer, Queen Memi? Perhaps a drink or a meal inside our house might allow us to discuss matters further - and more comfortably."

"I would be delighted to join you, Muir," the queen chuckled. "Here. Thank you for sparing my cub's life so many times."

Muir accepted the emerald with another respectful bow as he led her inside our common area, "We should have a few spare rooms we could accommodate you in for the night. I hope it won't be too uncomfortable for you."

"Not at all," Queen Memi laughed, "But I'm afraid your spouse might not be very pleased about this arrangement."

"You are free to come and go as you please," I called out, waiting for Bai to grab her forgotten items from inside the house. "Your cub still needs someone to set him straight from time to time, and since we're going to be family, I'd prefer it if you could help me out with disciplining him from time to time."

"Oh, dear," Queen Memi covered her mouth and giggled. "If this is the hospitality I get, perhaps I will visit more often."

"Mother!" Parker called out, mortified, "You can't!"

"Oh, hush now," Queen Memi waved him off, "Go and play with Bai Qingqing. Let the adults have a nice chat."

Parker pouted as he was dragged off by the giggling Bai, who was eager to show him our vineyard along the way.

I headed to Beast City with Curtis and Vick, keeping a considerable distance from Bai's group.

Tony had come to us with a request to allow Bai to take in Parker, as she seemed to be in love with him. He also needed another male to take his place during his hibernation, which was a more important reason. I told Tony that letting Bai settle down with Parker could bring lots of problems our way. However, if he could defeat and tame Parker, I would consider letting the pesky leopard live with us.

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There were more females in the city than usual, and it was no mystery why. The Ape King was going to distribute free grains and wine, so there was no way they would miss that.