The author is really making us hate him. This is the most over the top insensitive character I have so far come across. Others hide their indiscretion but this one is so openly reckless.
So many relationship broken due to lack of communication. Conrad knows how smart Evanna is. How could it have hurt his (unclear) plans to let her know: 'Part of my long-term goal is to have Crown Prince think me so-and-so. I may flirt but ...."?