Darres was taken back at the other's retort. He truly did not want to provoke the already challenged individual Ishtar kept harassing, however, he was incapable of letting this continue. The conflict between these options bothered him. Despite how much he was against this, Darres stood his ground.

"Let go."

It was a simple request, and he didn't even sound angry about it. His grip didn't tighten, nor did it loosen either. Unsure of whether that would earn a retaliation, he's just looking out for the princess.