I thought the timeline was this, and I'm not saying it has to be.
My interpretation isn't the only one.
1. Mateo is bushwhacked, captured, etc...
2. Trade Mateo for Thomyris demand is made to Iona.
3. Iona gathers the crew as a first response and we discuss it, potentially making Thomyris feel like that's the plan.
4. Violence and Big Damn Heroes as we get Mateo back.
5. Aftermath sex.
Now somewhere in between 1 and 2 we can have Iona and Thomyris isolated, sequestered, held at gunpoint, etc. Breaking free somehow.
Somewhere between 2 and 3 Thomyris can feel like or be made to feel like she's being traded and the drama of that ensues.
Everyone feel free to insert items until we have a comprehensive story board then can wrap it all up. No idea is wrong, no one person has more pull than another. We're mature writers and can work towards consensus.
Then the spankings...