u/43r0

I read a series in late 1990s/early 2000s. It was about a girl who was on a quest to, I believe, learn magic or be a wizard's heir or something. I can't remember if there was a dragon in it.

The scene I most remember is in I believe the 2nd book, a boy shows up who is her rival. They are competing to be the heir/apprentice and get the mantle. Eventually it is resolved by them both becoming heir/apprentice as the mantle gets ripped in half.

It was not the Enchanted Forest series / Dealing with Dragons.

Any ideas?