"I....I don't quite know," Sandry admits. "No one chooses them, really. It's a birthright."

"I suppose that at some point in history they were just the families who had the power to lead. Many people say that ruling families hold their power at the will and pleasure of the gods."

"My great-uncle is the ruler of Emelan. He's very wise. And kind."

Granted, Sandry is a bit biased, but Duke Vedris is well respected as a ruler by people other than his young niece.