Image from a dream last night,which I share in case anyone wants to use it:
The king sits on his high throne feasting on anchovy-apple, and upon cottage cheese with ketchup. Below wolves howl for his blood; only his throne's height keep him safe. A great mass of rats cover the cushions next to him, sharing his feast. He knows he can trust them for the moment. He also knows that when he falls (when, not if) the rats will devour anything the wolves leave behind. He is a powerful king, obeyed with alacrity, but not envied. He is known as "The Trembling King".
In this realm, the ruler is chosen by lot. Anyone who wishes may preempt the lottery and volunteer for the position, but nobody ever does.