Chapter 1

This was it, the royal family was seated on the stage, ready for the Report to begin. Today Khelben was announcing his Selection. He was biting his nails while his brother, Evard watched lazily, silently judging him. Evard wouldn't dare start a fight on the day that Khelben was announcing the biggest deal of his life.

The cameras started rolling, and the host, Michale introduced the royal family, announcing Khelben had an important message. This was it. Khelben stood, straightening his suit, feeling his wand tucked into the inside of his jacket. It seemed to sense his distress, calling out that it was there to defend him. Silly wand, it was just an announcement.

Khelben took his spot at the podium, and took a deep breath, "People of Illea, I'm 21, so I'm afraid I'm already a little late, but I've finally decided it's time to host my own Selection! I hope to find a woman to love from now until the end of time. I want a love that knows no bounds, and can help the darkest day appear bright."

Khelben thought he heard a snort from his brother, but he didn't break composure, "Any woman aged 18 to 24 can submit a form, I'll eagerly await you, my love."

Khelben allowed a pause to let the audience digest the information, and was about to hand over the rest of the Report back to Michale, when he heard Evard move behind him, clearing his throat.

"I have an announcement of my own."

Both the cameras, and Khelben turned to look at Evard, smirking, his red hair perfectly curled as always. Khelben bit his lip, swallowing his anger. Of course Evard would ruin this moment. What could he possibly say now?

Evard stood off to Khelben's side, but held himself up, smiling faintly. "I challenge my brother Khelben Schreave to his claim of the throne."

Gasps erupted from the royal family, the stage hands, and Michale. Everyone looked around in confusion, and eventually the main camera-man cut the cameras, stopping the Report. No one knew what to say.

No royal sibling had ever challenged the heir to the throne before they'd even had the chance to rule. There was no rule against it; but no one had ever doubted they could follow their sibling's rule until proven otherwise.

Not Evard.

Khelben stared, wide eyed in outrage and confusion at his younger brother. Evard had no reaction, his face was unreadable, but he looked to his brother. Khelben felt his face heat up.

"What the hell? You know that's not how that works! You only get one challenge!" Khelben said, his voice rising. Though from fear, or anger, Khelben couldn't tell.

"I know; I'm using it now. I know what I'm doing." Evard replied, glaring at his older brother. "Lord knows this country would fall apart if you ruled it."

"And you think you could do better? It's not that easy." Khelben scoffed, crossing his arms.

"I think I can do better than you, at any rate. At least I-"

"That's enough." Their father's voice broke into the argument, and Evard clamped his mouth shut.

King Alodar walked over, his wife Iris beside him. Her red curls fell around her, and seemed to have a mind of their own as she glanced over her boys. "Evard?" She didn't need to use more words, he understood her just fine.

Evard looked to her, "You know what I want, Mother. I can't let him have the throne. Better to stop him now than let the country suffer even a month into his rule."

Khelben felt his face heat up again, and he itched to draw his wand, casting a stunning spell at his brother, but he restrained himself. "Father, can he do this?" Khelben asked, turning to the king, whose dark brown hair matched Khelben's.

Alodar grimaced, "I'm afraid so; there's not a rule against it. He just needs to pick a challenge, a date, and the winner will be the next king."

Khelben looked away angrily, how could this happen to him? How could it happen today? Was this all part of that rat's little plan? Khelben glared at Evard. He was rather clever and sneaky, maybe he just wanted the publicity.

"We're still holding the Selection, right?" Khelben asked, suddenly feeling hopeful. If he could get married quickly, then he might become king before his brother could challenge him. Then, at least he'd have held the title, and would have the support of the people. He was already Illea's golden child.

King Alodar nodded, "Indeed."

Evard's eyes widened slightly, but he only nodded, "Seems only fair." He glanced to Khelben, and he could practically see Evard's mind working to solve this problem. Eventually a small smirk appeared on his face, and it only worried Khelben more.

King Alodar sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "This is not how I thought this would go."

Khelben almost snorted, "You're telling me, I wasn't expecting to be challenged on the day I announced my Selection."

Evard smiled to himself, "I am curious though, brother, to see how many Light Magic Witches you recieve in this Selection. But infinitely more curious as to how many Dark Magic Witches."

Khelben felt his blood run cold. He hadn't considered Dark Magic Witches might apply to his Selection. He didn't want to admit he was scared of Dark Magic, it was fascinating, but dangerous. Many people became corrupt and evil with even the smallest taste of it. What would happen if he got a woman well versed in it? Would he even know it? Could she use her wicked magic to win? Khelben shook his head, knowing his brother was just trying to mess with him.

"It doesn't matter, I'm looking for love that knows no bounds, remember?" Khelben replied.

Evard looked to him, and Khelben felt he could read right through his lie. Evard hummed in thought, "I suppose."

King Alodar groaned, "Okay, you two, back to your rooms. I think you've both had your excitement for the day."

The brothers shared another spiteful glance, then nodded to their father before heading back into the rest of the castle. Evard was quiet as usual, and somehow Khelben found it even more irritating after what happened.

Khelben sighed, then spoke, each word dripping poison aimed for his brother, "You seriously had to do that?"

Evard didn't even look at him as he replied, "If not now, when? After you've ruined Illea?"

"You keep saying I'd ruin Illea, you don't know that!"

"But I know you." His brother snapped, turning to glare at Khelben. "You are not worthy of sitting on that throne."

Evard quickly walked off, not allowing Khelben to defend himself with his own argument. I'm not worthy? I'm not worthy? Khelben scowled, "I'll show you just how worthy I am to hold the throne. At least you've wasted your challenge now."

Okay, so this is something I actually got inspiration for really recently. I've been wanting to do something with magic for a while, or at least delve into another 'world', and while it's Illea, it's a world of magic. Light and Dark, and you can find all of that information on my profile. You can find world building stuff with provinces and the idea of the 'challenge' on my profile as well. I know what you're thinking...yes, you can also find the form for this SYOC on my profile! I'm really excited to take on this new story! Don't worry, I'll still write HWC and eventually HSC.