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(Princely Training 2...)

I quickly learned to shut my mouth and be obedient. Kiwabare fought like a wild demon. Even if I could best him I would be punished for killing him, so ultimately he would always win. I endured many a physical and mental challenge with Gan Tuo. He would chain me to a post and beat me with a spiked bat, my only defenses being my forearms. If I bled, he'd hit harder. If I passed out, I woke up with new bruises. Sometimes during dinner he'd drug my tea and punch me in my sleep. He said it was all a part of strengthening one's defenses. I questioned his actions, but everything he did was legally sanctioned by my father. My absence from the public was explained away with ease. Three years of this torment was more than I could stand. I tried running away, but Gan was a nimble man, and running away earned me more time with Kiwabare....damn that man's eyes! I suffered more from his piercing, flame-filled stares than his punches. I once tried to stab Gan in the back, feeling that killing him would free me. I was such a rookie. He made me think his guard was down, then quickly wheeled on me as I struck and broke my arm. He laughed it off, told me I was beginning to learn how to survive. Not only did that stupid moment of weakness extend my training, but I spent almost my entire recovery time with Kiwabare...