Page 101 of The War of Four Winters

"Betrothed?" I repeated, unable to keep surprise from my voice. When Ieduin had left to negotiate with the northern tribes, marriage had not been among the expected outcomes.

"A mutually beneficial arrangement," Ieduin replied, though the flush creeping up their neck suggested more than political convenience. "The Yeutish customs require certain... formalities for alliance."

Khulan's deep laugh rumbled through the chamber as his massive hand settled on Ieduin's lower back, then slid deliberately lower to grab their ass firmly. "Your sibling makes our arrangement sound like a political formality," he said, his accent thick. "The truth is simpler. I saw Ieduin. I desired them. I claimed them as my own."

Ieduin squirmed away from his grip, their face now nearly as red as their hair. "Not now," they hissed, though there was no real anger in their tone, just embarrassed indignation. "We stand in a war council, discussing matters of battle and strategy."

"Among my people, the time before battle is when we most honor the pleasures of the flesh," Khulan replied without apology, though he did remove his hand, if reluctantly. "But I will respect your southern customs. For now."

I found myself struggling to maintain proper decorum as Ieduin straightened their clothing with more attention than necessary, refusing to meet anyone's eyes. My half-sibling, who had made an art form of outrageous behavior, now seemed utterly flustered by their enormous fiancé's straightforward possessiveness.

"Prince Khulan," I greeted formally, extending my hand. "Your assistance comes at a critical moment. We are grateful for the Yeutish support."

His handclasp nearly crushed my fingers despite his obvious restraint. "The northern tribes remember those who stand with them," he replied. "You supported our autonomy when others demanded submission. Now we return that loyalty."

Ieduin composed themself, moving to study the maps spread across the table. "We've brought thirty-five hundred warriors," they reported, their tone shifting to military formality. "Primarily infantry, though we have two hundred cavalry and a small contingent of shale-speakers."

"Shale-speakers?" Elindir questioned.

"Yeutish earth mages," Katyr explained. "They communicate with stone, persuading it to shift and move according to their will. Extremely valuable for sieges."

"Or for bypassing walls entirely," Khulan added with a predatory smile. "Stone responds differently to those who speak its ancient language rather than trying to force it."

This was unexpected but welcome news. D'thallanar's defenses, though formidable, were primarily stone and earth. If the Yeutish shale-speakers could create passageways or weaken walls from within...

"Show me where your forces are positioned," I requested, returning to the map.

Ieduin indicated various points around the city's northern approaches. "We've established three primary camps, here, here, and here," they said, fingers marking locations. "Khulan insisted on a visible presence to ensure Tarathiel understands the balance of power has shifted."

"While maintaining smaller, mobile units that can be deployed at short notice," Khulan added, leaning over the map. His massive frame dwarfed Ieduin beside him, though the contrast clearly pleased him, judging by the proprietary glance he cast down at my sibling's slender form.

Ieduin shifted slightly to create space between them, their expression innocently professional despite the obvious tension. "The shale-speakers need proximity to their targets," they continued, deliberately ignoring Khulan's amused smile. "They'll require at least two hours of preparation before attempting any significant manipulation of D'thallanar's defenses."

I nodded, already recalculating our strategy based on these new factors. "That's still faster than a conventional siege," I observed. "And with much lower casualty expectations."

"Speaking of reinforcements," Elindir interjected, "what news from Calibarra?"

"We intercepted a messenger from Calibarra on our way here," Ieduin replied, their expression softening unexpectedly. "Queen Taelyn should arrive by midday. She travels with a small but elite guard, and she brings the boys."

My breath caught. "Leif and Torsten are coming here? Into potential danger?"

"Taelyn's message was quite detailed," Ieduin continued, a hint of amusement touching their features. "According to her, they refused food until she agreed to bring them."

"They'll remain in the Craiggybottom compound," I declared, meeting Elindir's eyes. "Well protected and far from any fighting. But I... I'm glad they're coming."

"As am I," Elindir said softly.

Niro glanced between us. "The young princelings have everyone at Calibarra wrapped around their little fingers."

"Back to strategy," I prompted.

Niro nodded. "With the Yeutish forces added to our numbers, we now control significant portions of the outer districts. But Tarathiel still holds the Assembly island and the inner three rings."

Aryn traced the river on the map. "The bridges remain our only path forward. There are only four, and each is heavily fortified. My scouts report that Tarathiel has positioned elite forces at every crossing point."

"As expected," I said, studying the map carefully. "My father would never leave such obvious vulnerabilities unguarded."

Khulan leaned forward, his massive hands pressing against the table hard enough to make the wood creak. "The simple approach is sometimes best. We have the numbers now. We can overwhelm their defenses if we strike with sufficient force."

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