He smiles in return for her acceptance of the water, and just generally for the manner in which this chance meeting is progressing, but his expression smooths as he considers her question gravely.

"Whoever told you to do so was correct. The death of a leader causes turmoil, confusion, and can lead to the deaths of others," And the total ruin of your kingdom. But her question is directed elsewhere in her troubles, he can see, and he answers that with perfect frankness, "Some may indeed see your actions as those of a coward. You cannot control the thoughts of your comrades, and this has been a harrowing event. Many have lost friends, and will not be thinking logically."