The Narakyian government has a monarchy but directly under that monarchy is a council made up of 12 members who are charge of different aspects of government. So there's someone in charge of managing the water, another one in charge of justice and so on. The heir is always on the council as a secondary advisor to the King, so Kor is on it. Anyone can become a council member, no matter the rank but in practice it's generally held by Nobles who jostle for power. You can become one by dueling another council member or weaseling your way in through politics/social events.

Things HAVE changed radically in the last 100 years just as a note. It used to just be a monarchy.