Bellamy's mouth tightens, but that's about as far as he goes with snapping back any kind of answer. Even that reaction might be barely perceptible beneath the mud. He's peripherally conscious of Lexa's superior queen act, and conscious, too, of how all of this looks. Should've been patient.

Too late for patience, and it probably wouldn't have looked any better. He doesn't relax his stance, or loosen his grip on Lexa's rope. (But he doesn't tug her forward, either. Small favors.)

"Your pardon for interrupting." It's a little too gruff to be entirely sincere. "I requested an audience. Waited what I could, didn't feel right hanging around with her down there. She's an Avvar commander, and she's been sneaking around Skyhold for months now."

So, yes. Necessary. As are the ropes, and the gag, which he keeps in place.