They argued. Of course they argued. They were convinced that the queen did not understand what she was doing, so she very quickly and kindly took command of the situation. That was always the key. Controlling the conversation put her in a position of power. It was not enough to have a title, one must know how to use it appropriately. Respect was earned, not given.
Placating the sheriff’s men was quickly done. Ananya knew her own staff would not be as easily handled, but they trusted her and would not say anything until privacy afforded them the opportunity. She loved that her servants were comfortable enough that they'd respectfully express concerns, knowing their opinions mattered to their queen. It meant that their loyalty ran deeper than a surface veneer, and she was careful to cherish that for the gift it was.
For the moment, however, she sent her ladies to ride at the front of the carriage with the coachman. Her little thief would not talk if he had an audience, she was sure. They ladies didn't protest, but Ana could tell from the looks on their faces that an explanation later would be necessary. The men that were her protection said nothing, either, nor gave away their opinions with their expressions. Stoic, the lot of them.
Once inside her carriage, with the thief now sitting across from her, Ananya leaned forward to set the book on the bench beside him. “Well. That was not how I'd hoped to find you again, but I am glad to see you. Now that you are here... perhaps you'd favor me with your name?”