Spot ruler after... (7)

I believe the answer is:

seeking

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'spot ruler after' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'spot ruler after' is the wordplay.
'spot' becomes 'see' (both can mean to notice or observe).
'ruler' becomes 'king' (king is a kind of ruler).
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'see'+'king'='SEEKING'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for seeking that I've seen before include "Requesting" , "Applying" , "On the hunt for" , "Searching for" , "on search mission" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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