Board Thread:Lore Discussion/@comment-186.215.22.127-20130215011559/@comment-17114085-20140627171944

Draconi Nascentum Imperatore wrote: Just because the family is of high status AFTER the Talosian conqests does not mean they had that high status before the emergence of Talos, logically a conqueror would elevate as many allies and family relations to positions of power and privilege to better cement their line's power in the long run (proof Tiber Septim exercised this behavior is in the Numidium being turned against the dynasties of Cyrodil after the fall of the Aldmeri Dominion).

As for none of the Emperors inheriting the race of an elven mother that might have just been divine interference (considering an elvish emperor would live obscenely long, and Talos the god is Lorkhan reassembled). The Lariats were noble before Talos' conquest of Tamriel. They are said to be related to Hjalti's family, which would make Hjalti a Noble as well.

There were Elven Emperors, namely Katariah. Her children were dunmer, like her. Pelagius was the one that didn't inherit his mother's race, as he was more human than elf (as shown in Skyrim). There were no other instances of Elven interbreeding with the Septim Bloodline.