"Welcome back, you two!" Mom and Mrs Roux, well, Mama, greet excitedly as the limo door opens. I climb out and offer my hand to Zipporah who follows gracefully, her wide smile brightening the otherwise gray day. I quickly slip my arm around her hips. Mom hugs me then Zipporah, kissing her on both cheeks. Mama repeats in reverse order. I mentally sigh, since I'm still adjusting to calling her such.

"How are you?" Mama inquires. Zipporah chuckles.

"A little tired after a month flying around the globe," I answer and smile, "You're looking wonderful, Mom." I haven't seen her so healthy in years.

"Yes, she's been under the care of my Mom who has been strict in her care regimen." Mama explains.

"Yes, Ernestine is one of the most stern women I have ever met, and very gifted with medicine." I will have to personally thank Zipporah's grandmother.

"I'm overjoyed that you're returning to health, Felicie." Zipporah remarks sweetly. Mom grins.

"Enough about me and my health, it's time to get you ready for the reception!" Both usher us inside the Palace and into my old bedroom to get ready. Since the reception is semi-formal, we require very little assistance and are left alone. After showering, I apply Old Spice cologne and change into dark trousers, a white dress shirt and black blazer with the Royal Coat-of-Arms embroidered over the heart. I touch up my hair and don a silver watch as Zipporah emerges from the bathroom. She's managed a delicate Chinese ladder braid and twisted it into a topknot, and has very light makeup on, including peppermint scented perfume. She sports a long sleeved, calve-length red velvet dress which hugs her figure down to her hips, then flares out in a circle skirt, with a wide but modest v neckline, and red flats.

"Would you help me with my necklace?"

"Of course." She hands me the necklace, turns around, and I clip it on for her. It's the black pearl necklace I bought for her during the honeymoon. I bend over and brush a kiss on the back of her neck when I'm finished.

"Danke, Basil."

"Bitte." She turns around and we lock lips. Almost immediately of course, there's a knock at the door and we separate.

"It is almost time to leave." Dad booms from the other side of the door.

"Ja! Dankeschön!" I reply. Zipporah chuckles. I swing her into my arms, rewarded with a squeal, and commence a barrage of affectionate kisses up and down.

"B-Basil!" She giggles, "Hey!" I cease and flash a charming smile.

"Shall we go, Edelweiss?"

"Of course." We make our way outside to the waiting limousine and ride over to the Platinhaus for the festivities. I pull Zipporah onto my lap for the short ride, and she curls up happily.

We enter the ballroom and the evening begins with a few speeches and our first dance to Better Together by Jack Johnson. Then I dance with Mom and Zipporah with Papa, with Dad and Mama sharing a dance, to a German song. After which a buffet is served and the party begins. Zipporah and I enjoy some peace as everyone eats, happily people-watching and whispering to each other at our table.

Games, dancing and storytelling takes over the room. Zipporah and I are visited by everyone, and receive wedding presents and well wishes. Words of wisdom or advice too. Once that is over, the second round of dancing begins. I ask Mama for a dance, as Zipporah dances with Dad and Mom and Papa share a dance. By now, every guest occupies the dance floor. American line and group dances next, performed by Zipporah's family. I join in, despite looking ridiculous.

"You're doing great, Basil!" Zipporah hums, tightening her grip on my hand as she leads me through the tricky footwork to 'Footloose'.

"I probably look like a-!"

"Oh hush. You're doing well. It's a hard song too, so don't worry about it." My heart swells and I try a little harder to impress her. I ignore the heckling and laughter coming from my relatives.

Next my family takes the floor away, literally, and we perform traditional folk dances. Including the waltz and Ländler. Zipporah catches on quickly, and at last everyone joins in our final group routine. Zipporah and I retire afterwards, returning to our table. I kiss her deeply, "I love you, Zipporah." She kisses back.

"Mich auch."

"As I remember, you two aren't in complete privacy." We freeze in place and shift our eyes to Grandfather. He stands on the other side of the table with his arms crossed, but a silly grin on his face. I smile mischievously and pull Zipporah closer, holding up a plate in mockery of him, then deepen the kiss. Zipporah plays along, too well almost, allowing a minute noise to escape. Isaac shouts from across the room,

"PG please!" Because he sounds so desperate, we pull apart with uncontrolled laughter. I set the plate down and Zipporah gets up to converse with her brother, pulling him back onto the dance floor in the process. I smile victoriously.

"Very slick, Basil." Papa tsks.

"Dankeschön."

Once Zipporah returns, it's time for cake. We cut the first piece together and we feed each other, cleanly, then once everyone has been served, Zipporah and I decide to take our leave. I make sure to thank Ernestine before we give everyone the slip, taking the limo to our home. Tomorrow we decorate the house with what we found on our honeymoon and I have a meeting at RI.

Zipporah cuddles up to me and I wrap her up in my arms. After all of that dancing, it's painfully obvious that she wore her feet out. Once we're dropped off I carry her up to bed, holding her close to me.

"Thank you, Edelweiss..." She whispers.

Please comment and vote below! Spread the word! I have been having trouble with inspiration lately and it's kinda due to not having a lot of readers. But, I would love to thank me_Tehreem and HerImperialMajesty99 for their support!

~Uilosris