“It actually rises?” Joe asked in excitement.
“Technically it can be, but it’s not been raised in my lifetime or Robbie’s. I actually don’t know when it was last raised,” Ezzy said thoughtfully. “But when Jacob’s better and Mum isn’t home, let’s do it.”
“I’m in,” Jacob said softly.
Everyone looked at him.
Fran smiled, moving closer to him. “You’re awake. How are you feeling?”
Jacob looked at him and nodded. “You got more sleep, good, and I don’t feel that bad.”
“I did sleep. I know you got Robbie to make sure I did.”
Jacob grabbed his hand. “It wasn’t because I didn’t want to see you, or any other negative thoughts you might have had. You were tired after working yesterday. I wanted you to have a decent sleep without having to look after me.”
“I know,” Fran said. “Thank you for that. Joe’s just returned and Clairmont has brought lunch. Want me to help you sit up?”
“Please,” Jacob replied, and Fran helped him sit up as Joe and Finn moved the pillows around to make him comfy. “Thanks. What’s for lunch?”
“Beef rolls, mini pies, sausage rolls, chicken nuggets, sticks of vegetables, and some cheeses and dips,” Ezzy said, taking the covers off and having a look.
Jacob looked at Fran. “What can I have?”
Looking over the selection, Fran said. “How about starting you on a beef roll and seeing how things go?” He picked up a roll and put it on a plate before handing it to Jacob.
“Thanks. As we eat, Joe, you can tell us about your mate,” Jacob said with a grin.
Joe blushed and busied himself by putting food on this plate, then sat in a chair by the bed. “Frank is just perfect. We chatted about stuff, had breakfast, shared a few kisses and chatted some more. Once Frank finishes moving back into the castle, I’ll be moving into his rooms. Apparently, I’m to become a Lord.”
“You are,” Ezzy said. “As dad is the Duke, that title passes to Robbie. Both Robbie and now Finn are Marquesses. As a second son like me, both Uncle Frank and I are Lords. Fran here is The Honourable.”
“I’m a Marquess?” Finn asked stunned, forgetting that he already knew that.
Ezzy nodded. “Yeah, the male partner of a titled man never used to get a title, but then cousin Louis changed that when his younger brother Nathan married his Julian, they are both now princes. The King issued a royal decree, giving gay partners titles.”
“And here I was hoping Finn would be a Marchioness.” Jacob grinned.
Finn snorted. “That makes me sound like a boat,” he said, sitting back down with a plate of food.
Fran filled his plate and then went and sat next to Jacob on the bed.
“Do we get to christen you then?” Ezzy asked with a laugh. “I’m sure I can find a bottle of something and crack you over the head with it.”
“Or we could just pour something over his head,” Joe suggested.
“Wait, cousin Louis? The King is your actual cousin?” Finn asked in shocked amazement.
Ezzy nodded. “Yeah. They come and stay a few times a year. While he and the family are here, they’re completely normal people.”
“As opposed to what, aliens?” Joe asked.
Everyone laughed as the door opened and Berni and Frank walked in.
Joe saw Frank and a smile lit his face. Happiness shone in his eyes as the two men walked over to the bed. Frank touched Fran’s shoulder before standing next to Joe and dropping a kiss on his head.
Joe held his plate out. “Food?”
“Thanks, sweetheart,” Frank replied, taking a sausage roll.
