Franz let the silence settle. Lexx's fingers were wrapped around his, the grip holding with the easy confidence of someone who had no reason yet to doubt the world. The afternoon light fell through the windows in long golden rectangles. The documents Arianne had been reading lay forgotten on the nightstand.
"My parents called this morning," he said. "They want to throw a celebration."
"What kind of celebration?"
"The twins' birthday is coming up. They'll be six. My parents want to host it at their estate: a proper party, with decorations and cake and relatives. And they want to combine it with a one-month celebration for Lexx. Introduce him to the family."
Arianne was silent.
"The Rochefort family," she said.
"Yes. Some of them, at least. Close relatives. My father's sister, my mother's brother. Cousins I haven't seen in years." He paused. "You haven't met most of them."
"I haven't met any of them. We've been married for over two years."
