Chapter 7Violet had never been so sore in all her life. The road to Van Buren was at least four days’ travel, and in between riding for miles on horseback, Violet had taken up daily training with Mei. Morning after morning, Violet was tossed around like a sack of flour. Bruises appeared in places she didn’t even recall getting hit. She sweat more than she ever thought she could. Her hair, which once drifted on the wind so easily, was soon nothing but a bother, and clung to her sweaty neck as extra weight. By the second day, Violet had taken to tying up her hair in a knot, just to spare herself the heat. But it was not all sweat and love-taps. In between tenderizing her like a piece of meat, Mei took time to teach Violet technique and discipline, as well as some unspoken rules for any scrap
