The next morning was strange for Ena. As she was led to a guest chamber to sleep, the maids had been nervous and avoided touching the young princess. By the time the morning sun rose above the horizon they were more playful and cheery than ever before. They spoke none of what happened last night, nor did they compliment her on any of her firework displays like they always did.

Ena said nothing to them as they chattered about her like birds, but she was puzzled. As soon as she was dressed she hurriedly left to find her father.

After searching through the possible rooms he could be holed up in, she found him in his study. Ena's mother was there as well, deep in conversation with the King. The Queen was obviously distressed, something besides her injured daughter laying in the nurses quarters.

The King was worked up, stress showing through his tired face and set shoulders. Ena's hand was resting on the door, ready to knock and alert her presence when she heard what her father was saying.

"I had no choice, love. The citizens were practically demanding blood. Rumors had transformed so atrociously-" he gave a heavy sigh. "I couldn't console them. They didn't understand the situation and they were afraid. A dangerous mix in any circumstance."

"But to trust that demon with their minds, their memories. And the price we have to pay in return-"

"You took away their memories? Of me?" Ena asked, lip trembling.

Both parents turned to look at their eldest daughter, looking small and frightened in comparison to the rooms large double doors.

If anyone were to walk into that room at that moment, they would have been witness to the saddest scene the castle has ever held. The Queen and King both realized at that precise moment that Ena would no longer be their little girl. The world is too cruel a place for innocence. No longer would the princess be able to use to powers to bring joy for others. From this point it turned from a gift to a curse.

It would take explaining, of course. She would wonder why she could never let her inner fire take shape, why it was necessary. But that's the price you pay.

The King placed a hand on the shoulder of his wife and then made his way to his daughter.

"Ena," he said heavily. "Listen to me. You can't use your ability any longer. You must conceal it, from everybody. Don't let it show."

"Even Anna?"

"Yes. Nobody can know. Not a soul."

"But why, Papa?" Ena asked, tears forming. "It was an accident. I would never hurt Anna!"

"I know, darling. I know. But I had no choice. The people have always been wary of your gifts and last nights incident seemed to beset panic in their hearts and minds."

"What did Mama mean when she said 'demon'?"

His eyes closed briefly, perhaps in an effort to find comfort. "My great uncle had the same gifts as you, but he was not as kind-hearted. In order to save the kingdom and all who lived here, he made a deal with a demon. He used it to wipe the minds of the citizens in order to calm their terror. . . and to help build a special prison for his brother."

"And you asked the same one to help you?"

"That's correct, Ena. But there is always a price to pay when dealing with demons. And one of those was keeping your powers secret."

"One of them? What is the other?" Ena asked in a small voice.

He gave her a soft, warm smile. "Don't worry about it, it won't matter if your powers are kept a secret. And I know you can do it."

After a few minutes silence, filled with somber silence the King gently lifted Ena's chin so their eyes met. His were filled with hope but Ena just saw her own frightened reflection.

"Why don't we check on Anna," he said, gesturing for his wife to join the two of them. "She should be awake by now."

"But how are we going to explain how she got. . . burned?" Ena worried.

"She was playing too close to the fireplace and slipped," the Queen replied quietly.

The three royals walked down to the opposite end of the castle in silence, each filled with their own worries and depressing thoughts.

Ena knew everything was going to change. Now every constant second would be filled with the worry of keeping her powers hidden, or keeping her face from showing how scared and nervous she was.

If she ever showed her abilities everyone would think she was some monster! There would be no-one to talk to, no-one to confide in. Ena remembered every instance where her skin started to heat up and sparks flew from her body when she got excited or angry.

Despite loving Anna tremendously, it didn't mean that her little sister didn't annoy her or make her frustrated. They got in fights occasionally, all sisters did. But if she had to hide her powers, then. . .

Well, if she buried her emotions then she wouldn't have to worry about any more accidents. Total isolation. No one would know if she wasn't around them. Even though Ena hated to think about it, it seemed the best route for keeping her powers concealed from those around her.

The King and Queen were the first to enter the chamber. When Ena finally did slide through the opening of the door, she saw Anna was wide awake. Bandages covered the right side of her face and on the top half of her right arm.

Ena knew only too well that those were her fault. But no one would know. No one except her Mama and Papa.

"Ena!" Anna said loudly, grinning then wincing when her burns stretched. "Where were you? You were gone forever!"

Sitting on a chair near her bed, Ena lifted her hand to cover her sister's, then pulled it back before it could touch. "Sorry, Anna. I didn't know you were awake. I hope it doesn't hurt too much."

"They put this sticky stuff on earlier, so it doesn't really hurt anymore."

"What," Ena cleared her throat, "what do you remember?"

"Well, I unremember a lot of things. The nurse said I hit my head really, really hard."

"Oh. . ."

There was a few minutes of awkward silence before Anna started talking to their parents and Ena left, as quietly as she entered. The three of them stayed in that room for an hour, until she fell asleep.

Ena was locked up in her room. She had a feeling she would be seeing a lot more of it.

A/N: Hey, guys. Thanks if you read this. Send me a review or PM for the story or if you just want to say hi, anything really :) I'll try to update sometime next week.