No. And she must not realize it. [A shadow of his usual strength shows through, as determined as he is about this.] I fear she will... lose her temper if she finds out what has happened.
[But the explanation he owes Zelda is much more than that.] That is the reason I refused to speak with you. Diva ordered me not to, and I was afraid of what she might do if I defied her.
[Conrad would stand and bow in apology, if he had the strength, but losing his immortal abilities so suddenly has left him feeling weak as a child. Instead, he looks at his folded hands.] I do not expect you to forgive me, but I felt you had a right to know.