Fantasy. Begins with a King Escaping Execution with the help of a Wizard. Read before 2008.

[Jorden]

I don't know how old this book is; I read it at as a kid, at least sixteen years ago, and I remember only a few key details. In the story there is a kingdom, whose king serves for a set period of time, then is removed from office, via public beheading. The head is then thrown, and whoever catches it is the new king ()or maybe it was whoever it landed nearest). The book begins with the latest king escaping his appointed fate, with the help of a wizard. I seem to recall that the wizard turns out to be something of a fraud, or at least less powerful than he had represented himself to be. From that point I remember almost nothing, until sometime at or near the end of the book, the former king learns that his former fiefdom has abolished the practice of executing it's ruler. He may be offered the job again, but I'm not certain. Anyway, I'd like to re-read the book. Does this sound familiar to anybody?

[Opal]

I haven't read this, but for some reason my first instinct was that it must be a Del Ray book. After some light research, is it possibly this one? The Unbeheaded King

[Jorden]

Wow, If that isn't it, then it is one heck of a coincidence. I'll buy a copy and see.