A Court of Thrones and Thieves (ACOTAR FANFIC)

Chapter 44

Finch's POV*

As usual, the all-powerful Loki Brekker found a way to get Finch and Inej straight into the Xesha capital, even during a time of war. 

It was ridiculous how terrifyingly cunning the bastard of the barrel could be. 

She genuinely scared Finch, more than he would like to admit. He was glad the demigoddess of death was on their side because he would have no idea how to handle her as an enemy. 

All Illyrian features of Finch and Inej were heavily glamoured. If anyone saw two Illyrians walking around when they were at war with the Night Court, they'd be dead by sunrise. 

Finch stayed close to his mate as they made their way toward the palace. 

The last time they had been alone together, they were escaping this same city with the Holy Grail. 

They moved quickly through the streets, not stopping until they were clear of the city limits. At 6 AM they had to be at the eastern pier to leave with the merchants for Hybern. They were not allowed to winnow and she told them to go to Hybern first before heading to Prythian. 

They stayed silent throughout the rest of the night taking their time to make it to the pier. 

As they approached the dock leading to one of the ships they were stopped by a man with a clipboard. Without missing a beat Inej grabbed Finch's hand and cuddled herself into his side. An electric shock ran through his veins at feeling how perfectly her hand fit into his. Her scent filled his senses making it impossible to think of anything but her. 

"Only merchants on this vessel." The man said. 

Inej smiled excitedly at him, leaning further into Finch. Breathing became even more, "My friend pulled some strings to get us a spot... My fiance and I are running away to Hybern to elope you see. If we go on civilian transport I am sure they'll find us and try to stop us. We should be under the names Bash and Aelin." 

Lies rolled off Inej's tongue easily as breathing. 

The man's eyes brightened as he was told the juicy tale. Inej had been able to tell that the man was bored and would be willing to overlook certain things if given entertainment instead. 

Finch on the other hand was having a hard time controlling himself as he looked at Inej with such adoration and yearning he was sure that the guard nearly cried. 

But Finch was a shit liar. He wasn't faking anything for the sake of getting on that stupid boat. 

They were eventually let on and sat on the floor below deck. 

Finch Archeron had never been one to get flustered, but as his mate fell asleep, her head resting softly on his shoulder, he was red as Lucien's hair. 

Her soft and steady breathing fanned across his neck, sending a chill down his spine. He ached to reach out and pull her closer. But she was asleep and he was the only one who knew about the bond they shared. 

Well except Nyx... He also wouldn't be surprised if Loki knew based on the way she sent them to be put together alone. 

Inej remained asleep until they got to Hybern, it was a short boat ride only lasting about three hours. 

Inej lead them through the streets of Ketterdam, her feet were quick and her turns were so sharp Finch had a hard time keeping up. 

He followed her as she went around the back to a latter behind the crow club. She was once again silent as she climbed and swung her legs through an open window. Finch followed, although admittedly less gracefully into a small room. 

There wasn't much in the space, only a bed, a few weapons, and a chest of clothes. It was decently clean, but the roar of the crowd downstairs made it into the room. 

Inej slipped off her shirt without much thought. Finch turned wide-eyed and bright red, turning away at the speed of light, "W-WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?"

"Don't make a big deal of such a small thing. Are these the first breasts you've seen skiv?" Inej rolled her eyes, changing into a clean shirt before slipping off her pants and changing them as well. She undid the laces of her boots and jumped onto the bed under the covers. 

"N-no! But you cant- I mean you shouldn't-I-I mean! Ahhh, forget it." She smiled slightly at his flustered appearance. 

"Where are we?" 

"My room. There should be some men's clothes in that chest behind you. Change. We have a few hours to sleep before we can meet Loki in the Night Court." Inej said. 

Finch tried desperately not to think about why his mate had other males' clothes in her room. He also tried to be as unaffected as she was as he slipped into the bed beside her. This entire trip had been testing his patience. First, he had to see other men flirt with HIS mate who just so happened to be wearing the sexiest piece of clothing ever invented. Then he had to hold her hand and pretend to be engaged. 

Now he had the image of her taking her shirt off, playing on repeat in his perverted Illyrian mind AND he had to sleep in the same bed as his mate acting like he doesn't want to worship every part of her.

Loki Brekker was a bitch for making him endure this. 

He wanted to tell Inej everything. He wanted to tell her that they were mates, that she was the muse of every thought that filled his head. That he was hers completely in mind body and soul. 

He wanted to tell her, but he didn't.

Now they were alone again. Back in the city, they had robbed not too long ago. This time they were here to kill its king. 

Armed with a vile of water from inside the cauldron they stepped into the palace.