In the Service of the King: Character Interview + Giveaway

Please welcome our special guests Kael and Shayla from Laura Kaye's new release, In the Service of the King!

Laura:  So, er, I guess I should’ve asked this in advance, but, uh, Kael, how should I address you? Your Highness, Sire, My Lord—

Kael:  My name will do fine. I get enough of the “my lord” crap from my warriors.

Laura:  Okay, Kael it is. So, how have things been since the consummation ceremony?

Kael:  *grasps Shayla’s hand* Best days and weeks of my life.

Shayla:  *nods* Things have been wonderful and crazy.

Laura:  Has it been a lot to adjust to, Shayla, living in a castle full of vampires?

Shayla:  Yes and no. I truly feel that I’m where I’m meant to be. *smiles up at Kael* And Dunluce is absolutely fascinating. I mean, I literally get lost wandering from one amazing artifact to another. And, the library…

Kael:  She really has gotten lost. It’s a good thing I can sense her blood.

Shayla:  That’s true. I just slip into history geek mode and half a night disappears before I know it.

Laura:  Half a night?

Shayla:  Well, I guess that’s one of the things that’s been more of an adjustment. The rest of the household is up at night and sleeps during the day. So I’m making that transition. Plus, thankfully there are a couple other women there, because otherwise living with these guys is a bit like living in a fraternity.

Kael:  *arches an eyebrow* It is not.

Shayla:  It totally is.

Kael:  *narrows eyes* But you love it.

Shayla:  *grins* I do.

Laura:  Kael, is Liam finally happy that you’ve found a mate? Has he found one yet?
Kael:  Liam is my oldest friend and my brother in arms, but he is also a pain in the ass.

Shayla:  He is not.

Kael:  You say that because you two are thick as thieves.

Shayla:  That’s because he’s great.

Kael:  They gang up on me.

Shayla:  *laughs and shrugs* Don’t listen to him, Liam is hilarious. Besides, the Night of the Proffering might’ve gone a lot differently if it wasn’t for Liam.

Kael:  *adoring look at Shayla* That’s the damn truth. Okay, Liam is only a pain in the ass sometimes. *winks* And he’s still unmated, for now.

Laura:  So, Shayla, I have to ask: what does blood taste like? Was it hard to adjust to drinking it?

Shayla:  *blushes*

Kael:  *strokes knuckles over her cheek*

Laura:  [erm, are they communicating without talking? I’m feeling a bit like a third wheel all of a sudden…] *clears throat*

Shayla:  I’m sorry. Um. *releases deep breath* It’s just all very hard to describe. It hasn’t been a hard adjustment because my body needs it now. After I got the mating mark - *holds up her left hand, covered in a beautiful and intricate series of unending Celtic knots* - I started feeling very different, craving new things. The mark is just the most obvious sign of the changes I’ve experienced. I can’t explain it any better than that.

Laura:  And, um, how does it taste?

Shayla:  *licks lips* Imagine the most rich, decadent, and delicious taste you can, and then lace it with an inebriant. That’s what drinking Kael’s blood is like.

Kael:  *shifts in his seat* Are we almost done?

Shayla:  Kael!

Kael:  I cannot help it, dear heart. I find myself in need of you.

Shayla:  *face goes bright red*

Kael:  *kisses her cheek, his lips lingering* So lovely.

Shayla:  Um. *chuckles* I think we should probably wrap this up.

Laura:  Uh, sure. Of course. So, what’s next?

Kael:  *drags his attention away from Shayla* The war with the Soul Eaters is a constant in our lives. While our region has been quiet lately, things are reaching a critical state in one of my brethren’s kingdoms. Nikolai’s reports out of Moscow are quite dire. I think he’ll be telling you more about that soon.

Laura:  Anything you'd like to say to the readers before you have to go?

Shayla:  Just a very big thank you for giving our book a try and bringing our story to life!

Laura:  Thanks so much for being here today! It was wonderful to meet you!

*They speed through good-byes and are out of there so fast it makes my head spin!* Wow. I seriously need a vampire warrior king of my own. Did you see the way he was looking at her? Like he wanted to eat her. *snort* I guess he actually does. *sigh*

Thank you Laura, Shayla, and Kael for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

Laura Kaye is the author of Forever Freed, North of Need, Hearts in Darkness, and In the Service of the King.  To learn more about Laura and her books, please visit her website or check out her From the Shadows author interview.

In the Service of the King (Vampire Warrior Kings #1) by Laura Kaye

Kael, Warrior King of the Vampires, loathes the Night of the Proffering. He needs the blood of either his mate or a human virgin to maintain his strength, but hasn't enjoyed the ritual since he lost his mate centuries ago. Kael doesn't want a new companion, yet his resolve is tested when he lays eyes on his new offering, Shayla McKinnon. He is drawn to Shayla's beauty and poise...and the submission she offers. She is eager to give him anything he wishes, including her innocence, to please him. Will Kael give in to their overwhelming desire--even if it means risking Shayla's life?

**In the Service of the King Giveaway**

To celebrate her new release, Laura is giving away one e-copy of In the Service of the King at each stop on her New Release Tour, 1/30 – 2/15! In addition, all commenters from across the tour will be entered to win a prize bag filled with swag and various vampire items, perfect for the vampire lover!

To enter, please leave a comment on this post including your e-mail address and if from US.  You do not have to be a follower or subscriber to enter.  Ebook prizes open to international; prize bag to US only.  Giveaway ends February 17th midnight EST.