She was well aware that the woman made decisions for herself, but that wasn't entirely the problem. The problem was the perceived intent behind those decisions, particular since they seemed to be done with acknowledgment. Again, it could only be her own misconception, but she doubted there was much chance of determining the truth of just what those intentions had been. She could ultimately live without them, which was part of the reason she'd sought to have this conversation with him. She was interested more in what he said.
"I did not mean to assume that I blamed you for the choice of color," she responded, not wishing to have an argument form between them. Her intent had only been to silence those persistent thoughts that suggested she was not on the same page. "You are right, however, there were others wearing the color. Such choices were free to be made, but am I wrong to assume that you spoke to her of what you intended that evening?" And that truly was what it boiled down to: disregard. "I do not know whether to be offended or resigned to it, neither of which I particularly wish to be, I'll admit."
She would have been content simply to know whether or not their previous conversation regarding any interest between the two was still the truth of the matter, but she found another point of focus awakened by his comment and it silenced her for a moment as she considered it. "I was unaware that I created the image of one would be so willing to simply step aside for such things." Queen or not. It was clear she did not harbor any appreciation for the assumption, and it might not have been a surprise that she didn't. He knew her personality well enough, or so she had assumed. "May I ask how you came to this assumption? I'm the only one who can legitimize it and I don't recall that being something we've discussed during our walks."