It is unfortunate for the continuity of the story of Ammon and King Lamoni that there is a modern chapter break here. In 1830, this information followed immediately after the verses indicating that Lamoni was taken to his wife, and that his family began to mourn him as though he were dead. It is important to the story that we readers understand that many believed that Lamoni had died.
It is for that reason that the queen (who remains unnamed) notes that there is some controversy over whether or not he is dead. Ancient peoples were often much more intimately familiar with death and dead family or friends than are modern peoples. Thus, the queen surely understood that after a time some decomposition would have set in if he truly were dead, and she declares, “as for myself, to me he doth not stink.” She believes that he lives, but how might he recover?
The story continues when the queen understands that Ammon is considered to have divine power, and, therefore, she calls for him to assist in returning Lamoni to his healthful and conscious self.