The King

The King is the ruler of the Free Kingdoms, and takes the traditional seat in Realmhold. He (or theoretically she) is decided by a nobility-electorate system, and is chosen at the death or resignation of each previous king. It is not a gender-specific title.

Current King
The current king is an aging man named Esten, who spends most of his time high up in a tower, speaking with the Spirit Dragons of many deep matters. This has led to the disentegration of his kingdom, in large part; any unifier will have a hard job.

In his conversations, Esten has become very wise, very connected, and built up a strong relationship with the Spirit Dragons that Jeriel can later cash in on. Further, Esten's connection with Mariel through the Spirit Dragons allows her to get connected.

Esten's grandaughter and first heir (her parents all not having outlived Esten, or died young) is Princess Peridot, and he rather likes her. When Mariel sends a letter to the palace bearing Esten's name, Peridot takes it, and decides to work together with the heroes because Esten trusted Mariel.

Method of Choosing
The main method is what's called a nobility-electorate system. Every fief or province is given one 'claim,' and its controlling lord or lady may grant this 'claim to the throne' to anyone they wish.

In order to be considered a contender for the throne, an applicant must begin with at least three separate members of the nobility granting him a claim. From there, any non-granted claims may be bargained, bought, traded, threatened, or even stolen and forged. This generally leads to a popularity contest or test of leadership: whoever can accumulate the most support, or force their way into power, is generally thought fit to lead.

Once all of the claims are granted, or a year has passed since the death of the previous king, all of those contenders come forward with their written, signed, and documented papers. The one who has the most individual claims or fiefs backing him or her is crowned the next king.