There's a deep interest in political realism and violence, powerplay, and the dynamics of holding power with the polity. There's the Machiavellian & Hobbesian outlook on power. Nobody is content with the ideal and moral answer of "Kings being there because it is his right" and want to know the opposite answer to how kings obtain power through politics alone.
>but how is that done?
Through tactics like punishment and reward. You either use fear to intimidate people. The most obvious present example of fear being a way of control is through war-time propaganda. War propaganda has always been the most effective way to get people to cough up taxes and tributes really fast. When their livelihood is at stake and their property is threatened to be destroyed, they are eager to cough up dimes and levies. This happens today constantly to motivate people.
>other methods?
Punishments and cruelty. Torture.
>the rewards
Lower taxes or exemptions for political support. Gifts from the big guy. Bread and circuses displays. War-time favorites being promoted along with nepotism. Partisanship status enabling bonus rights. Land and wealth through conquest.
Personally I would do the worst landgrabbing if I ever had power. Outright powergrabs. Intimidation tactics. What people call tyranny. I would take my dirty hands and grab a crown and laugh, snatching it.