[There's a small head tilt from Hans as he looks at her, somewhat aware that she's observing him as well. It's not anything he's unfamiliar with, especially after tonight, but he still wants to be slightly cautious here.]

My way of ascension to the throne is not a well-guarded secret here. You may have asked any citizen or even one of our knights and they would've told you the truth of the matter.

[He smiles now, although there's a slight edge to it. As if to match the disconcerting atmosphere, the whispers around them continue to grow in volume, along with adopting an accusatory tone.]

I figure it's more respectful to hear this from the king himself.