"You mean there are still more?"

"Just one, your majesty," another member said, as all seven members rose and turned toward the king.

The king looked from one face to another, not understanding what was happening. "Yes, well, get on with it," he ordered.

One of the members stepped forward and asked, "My lord, 'What is it that you do to make the realm a better place?'"

The king just stared at him for a moment, still not understanding. "What do you mean by that?" he snapped. "I am King!"

"Indeed," said another member. "But, what is it that you actually 'do' to better the realm and the people that live within it?"

"What? Why, I...I...I 'rule!'" he cried, coming to his feet. "I set policy. I govern. I administer the laws of the land!" he shouted.

"In point of fact, your majesty," said a third member, quietly, "you do none of those things. The governing board has had charge of all facets of running the realm for a number of years. You are, in actuality, a mere figurehead, my Lord and have become, well, somewhat redundant, I fear."

"But, I...but..." the king sputtered, as realization finally set in.

"What exactly are you saying?" he demanded, as calmly as he could.

"We have posed the question to you, my lord. What is your answer to be?"

Fuming, yet suddenly very fearful, the king said quietly, "You would not 'dare'."

"Is that your final word on the subject, your majesty?"

Completely at a loss for words, the king merely shook in anger and terror.

"We will debate," the first member said and they all closed together for a moment--a very short moment, the king thought--before looking up again.

"Disposal," a member stated and that one word cut through the king like a knife.