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the20thangel · 3 months

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The Dragon and The Raven Ch 4: The Duel

Chapter Summary: Daemon couldn't believe that his daughter was betrothed. As he stared at the Lord of House Blackwood, Daemon decided if Lord Benjicot Blackwood was truly serious about his daughter, he needed to prove it to the Prince.

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Daemon stared at the young lord, watching his facial features, but the boy seemed to know how to mask his emotions. After another beat, Daemon turns to his daughter, smirking tauntly.

“I think I misunderstood you, my sea dragon -”

“There is no misunderstanding, Kepa ; I have chosen Lord Benjicot Blackwood as my betrothed.” Aemma clarified schooling her features to be indifferent, knowing that her father would try to get a ruse out of her.

Daemon’s frown deepened as he looked at his daughter's face. She was serious. “Has your mother given her approval on this boy?”

Aemma cursed internally, knowing that her betrothal was not officially valid since her mother had not sealed her approval.

Aemma cleared her throat. “I have sent a letter to let her know of my intentions. She will trust my judgment of Ben—Lord Blackwood.

Daemon deadpanned at his daughter for using the blackwood boy’s name with such familiarity. Knowing he wasn’t going anywhere with his daughter, he focused on the boy.

“And you, boy, do you think you are worthy of my daughter? A princess with the blood of Old Vayria?” Questioned Daemon as he stalked towards Benji, who straightened his back, never breaking eye contact with the Rouge Prince.

“Well…. I think you are just some boy who will piss his pants at the first sight of battle. Do you even know how to fight? Hmmm, boy… where were you when your brother foug-”

“DAEMON!” shouted Aemma angrily, as she saw Benji grow angrier with each sentence her father said.

Daemon smirked at seeing the boy break from his poker face, but his smirk fell once he noticed Aemma's anger. She looked just like her mother, returning memories of how he left Dragonstone. Sighing through his nose, Daemon refocused himself.

“Fine, if you think you are so worthy, I challenge you to show your skills in a duel,” stated Daemon. He noticed his daughter widen her eyes, and the Blackwood boy gave him a crooked smirk. He was either brave or stupid, that boy.

“I accept your challenge, Prince Daemon,” agreed Benji as he noticed his aunt arriving with his men. “If you excuse me, I need to settle my men, Prince Daemon, Princess Aemma,” said Benji as he bowed and walked away.

Aemma watched as Benji left her and her father, upset that he once returned to propriety by using her title; she was getting used to being just Aemma to him. Aemma turned to her father giving him the stink eye.

“What?” Asked Daemon, crossing his arms in front of his chest as he noticed her expression.

“You could have been nicer or at least given more respect to him, and you trying to ruse him by using his brother, Kepa -” Aemma explained her disappointment but was cut off by her father.

“I needed to see his worth, and I stopped, didn’t I? Besides, I will know if he is worthy of you from the duel.” Daemon defended himself as he and Aemma started walking towards camp.

“Are you really going to duel him?” Asked Aemma as she stopped to look at her father in disbelief.

Daemon paused, looking at her reaction; he chuckled while taking a strand of her hair between his fingers.

“I will not be the one dueling him… you are.”

Aemma’s eyes widden in shock, “But-”

“I never told the boy it was me; you and him assumed it would be me. I trained you, and you have bested me a few times. Who else can prove if that boy is worthy of your hand if not yourself?” explained truthfully to his daughter.

Aemma, understanding her father’s words, agreed and continued walking to the camp. She saw Aly and Benjicot greeting the Wolf of Winterfell. As Aemma joined the group, they bowed to the princess. Lord Cregan Stark gave Aemma a wolfish grin as he took her hand and kissed it.

“Princess, it's good to see you again. How is Prince Jacaerys? Asked the Winter wolf.

Unbeknownst to him, Benjicot’s smile turned to a sneer once he saw the Lord of Winterfell kiss her hand. Again, the ugly monster of jealously clawing up his chest.

“My brother is doing fine at Dragonstone, although I have a feeling he will be joining us soon,” replied Aemma sweetly. Cregan had become a good friend and ally to the siblings. She turned to Benji, and her smile loosened, noticing his sneer. Seeing the princess staring, Benji bowed and turned to walk to his tent.

“Um, if you excuse me, Cregan, I need to speak with Lord Blackwood. Have you met his aunt, Lady Alysanne Blackwood?” Aemma hurried an excuse as she walked away, leaving them behind.

Cregan, with his eyes, followed the princess going towards the Blackwood tents before he awkwardly smiled at Alysanne.

Aemma entered the tent and saw Benji sharpening his sword with hard eyes and a clenched jaw. She walked in to stand beside him, but the young man did not notice as he continued sharpening his sword. Aemma sighed and reached to touch his cheek, which made Benji flinch as he glared up, only to widen his eyes once he realized who it was. Aemma smiled as she lowered herself in front of her betrothed.

“What’s wrong?” asked Aemma as she held her hand to his cheek, lightly caressing it.

Benji shook his head and went to turn away from her, “Nothing…”

Aemma quickly turned his head towards her again, with a frown mirroring her face. “Don’t lie to me, Ben. Let us not start our courtship with lies. What bothers you? Was it my father?” asked Aemma quietly.

Benjicot sighed deeply before looking at her entirely. She raised her eyebrows and waited for his response.

“I don’t like how familiar he was to you…” Benji finally explained.

Aemma was confused about who he was talking about when it clicked: he was talking about Cregan. Aemma giggled, which only made Benji’s frown deepen.

“Cregan…Lord Stark is a friend and only a friend, Ben. He and my brother grew close to each other. There is nothing between him and I, and there never will be.” Aemma explained as she leaned closer to Benji.

Benjicot wanted to believe his princess, but he just couldn’t; how could Lord Stark not want to court her? She was gorgeous. Aemma sighed, seeing how he didn’t fully believe her words. Feeling daring, she stood up and sat on his knees, her legs on either side, cradling his face.

“There will never be anything between me and Lord Stark because he does not make me feel the same feelings as when I am with you,” she whispered.

Instead of replying, Benji reached up, grabbed her face with his hands, and kissed her. His kiss was desperate as if she were telling him she would leave him. Aemma gasped at the sudden kiss, but she leaned more toward him instead of pulling away. She wrapped her arms around his neck as his hands left her face and onto her waist, bringing her body closer to him. The world seemed to melt away as they deepened their kiss, and as much as Aemma was enjoying it, she knew they had to stop before risking it going too far. She slowly pulled away before giving one last peck at the corner of his mouth.

“We should stop; we can’t risk anything… not until our wedding.”

Benji smirked before he nuzzled her neck in contentment. Aemma giggled at the sensation, his hair tickling her as she held him in content. Feeling that she could spend hours like that when they heard a slight cough. Both heads turned quickly to see Aly smirking at them at the tent's entrance. Aemma blushed furiously and jumped off Benji’s lap, which made Benji quickly glare at his aunt before standing.

“ You both are lucky it was just me who found you. Ben, you know better,” Alysanne lightly scolded as she entered the tent.

“Are you here just to scold me, dear aunt, or did you need something?” asked Benji as he grabbed Aemma’s hand, caressing her knuckles.

Alysanne’s smirk widened, “Prince Daemon is looking for you both; something about our dear Ben proving his worth? What does he mean by that?”

Aemma stiffened before she released Benji’s hand, “I should go and help him prepare…I will see you there, yes?”

Benji stared at her but slowly nodded as he watched her leave the tent. He then turned to his aunt, who gave him a questioning stare while waiting for her answer.

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In Dragonstone, Queen Rhaenyra was eating her lunch with Jacaerys, Rhaenys, and Baela when Maester Gerardys came in holding two letters.

“My queen, two ravens came by, one from Princess Aemma and the other from Prince Daemon.” Gerardys held the letters to Rhaenyra before bowing and leaving the room.

Rhaenrya held both letters before handing Prince Daemon’s letter to Jace, asking him to read it. She was still upset with him and his actions. Then she hurriedly opened her daughter's letter, wanting to know how her time in Raventree Hall was spent. As she read, she was pleased to see that Aemma was accepted, and the people of House Blackwood were grateful. Stopping at the words “I have done my duty…” she was interrupted by Jace asking a question.

“What does Daemon mean? ‘Our sea dragon has gotten a pet raven.” Jace asked, looking at his mother and grandmother in confusion.

All three women were equally confused regarding the statement. Rhaenys reached for the letter and re-read the statement, noting that it held no more explanation, just those simple words. Baela, seeing her grandmother’s puzzled look, turned to her stepmother.

“ Muna, maybe in Aemma’s letter, there will be an explanation of what Kepa wrote.

Rhaenyra smiled at her and decided to read Aemma’s letter out loud so they could hear it. She started to read from where she left off.

“ Muna , I have done my duty to strengthen our house with allies. If your approval is given, my queen, I have decided to give my hand of marriage to Lord Benjicot Blackwood.”

Gasps were heard as Jace quickly stood up and took the letter from her, re-reading the letter. Rhaenyra was shocked. She and her daughter haven’t even discussed marriage, yet she stated that she was betrothed in her letter. Baela and Rhaenys were equally shocked but decided to wait before expressing their thoughts.

“This was not a decision made at the spur of the moment; both houses, Blackwood and Targaryen, can benefit much from our union…I eagerly await your answer at Harrenhall. With Love, Crown Princess Aemma Velayron.” Finished Jace with a sour look on his face. He didn’t know this, Lord Blackwood. Had he forced his sister to make this match? But Daemon would never allow that.

“ Muna , we must send a letter rejecting the match and telling Aemma to come back home we-” Jace ranted as he reached for a parchment only to have his mother stop him.

“Jace, we must trust both your sister’s and father’s judgment; if Daemon has not expressed rejection of the betrothal, then we should allow both your sister and her intended the chance.” Soothed Rhaenyra, as she knew her son would not want to agree.

“But..”

“Jace,” whispered Baela while staring at her betrothed. “We should listen to your mother, sister, and my father. If Kepa likes him, then he must be worthy of Aemma.”

“How about we allow Jacaerys to meet the lad and get a feel for him? If he approves, we will start making quick preparations for the wedding. We should be quick with the wedding as war is so close. If not, he will return with Aemma to Dragonstone?” proposed Rhaenys, trying to be diplomatic, even though she wanted her granddaughter back in her arms.

Rhaenyra considered it for a moment before she, too, nodded.

“Yes, we will do that, Jace; go quickly and swiftly to Harrenhall. Get to know Lord Blackwood and see if he is the best for our sweet Aemma. Baela, go with him in case Aemma becomes difficult for Jace.”

Both Jace and Baela nodded and left to get ready for the trip. Jace is determined not to give Benjicot Blackwood a chance, as he felt that Cregan would be the perfect husband for his sister.

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Aemma was finishing her laces when her father came into the tent holding something behind his back.

“Is everything ready?” asked Aemma as she walked to her father.

“Yes, the boy is eagerly waiting at the training field, poor fool,” chuckled Daemon. His laugh only grew once he saw his daughter send a glare toward him.

Daemon grinned widely, “I have a gift for you… rather than using an old sword, you, as a Targaryen princess, should hold a Valyrian steel.” Daemon brought out a shortsword, which took Aemma’s breath away as she took hold of it.

The sword was light enough for her to swing easily. The handle was a beautiful black, and two dragons were carved on each side, their eyes made from rubies.

Aemma grinned as she hugged her father, grateful for the gift. Daemon returned the hug and nuzzled her head, whispering, “Do not go easy on him; let all see the true power of the dragon.”

Daemon let go of her, and the two walked to the training grounds, where a huge crowd gathered, waiting for the duel. Benjicot was speaking with two lads, who happened to be heir Kermit and his brother Oscar Tully. Once the Prince and Princess reached the grounds, the crowd turned to them.

Daemon smirked condescendingly at the Lord of Raventree Hall, “Well, boy, are you ready to prove yourself?”

Benji returned a rabid grin, his tongue running through his teeth, “More than ready, my Prince; I am eager to duel with you.”

Daemon laughed, which stopped Benji and brought a frown to his face.

“Oh, you think you will be fighting me, my mistake, but you won’t be dueling with me.”

Puzzled, Benjicot looked at the Prince like he grew an extra head, “If not you, then who…” Benji never finished his sentence as he made eye contact with Princess Aemma, who grinned at him, spinning her new sword in her hands.

“You will be dueling Princess Aemma, one of the best sword fighters in Dragonstone. Beat or catch her in a draw, and you will have my blessing.” explained The Rouge Prince as he sat.

Benjicot’s eyes widened as he stared at his Princess, seeing her getting into position.

“I wish you luck, Lord Blackwood,” spoke Princess Aemma as she saw him become more confident, giving her a smirk.

“And to you, my princess,” Benjicot stated before he lunged at her.

Aemma waited until he nearly reached her to pivot and turn to him while swinging her sword, almost grazing the young Lord, who dropped and tried to kick the legs from under her. Thankful for her quick reflexes from flying, she jumped back, grinning. Benjicot quickly stood, his eyes becoming wilder as he and the princess continued striking and dodging. The crowd stared in awe; it looked like the young lord and princess were dancing instead of dueling, unable to take their eyes off each other.

Aemma was getting frustrated and bored, thinking the duel should have ended a while ago. Of course, it went to show the skill level Benjicot had with his sword if neither of them could get to the other. In the last strike, Aemma saw Benjicot widen his stance a little too much as he turned to her. Grinning, she pivoted away from him and kicked him on his shin. Causing the young man to buckle, as she pushed him to the floor while kicking his sword away as she swung hers. Benji quickly rolled away and kicked her feet from under her, causing her to lose her grip and drop her sword. Using this time, Benji promptly reached for his sword, swinging it as he turned to her. Then, everyone inhaled sharply. Aemma and Benji each held their swords to each other's necks, breathing heavily. A pause happened between them as they struggled to catch their breath.

Cregan smiled, “I believe we have a draw, everyone.”

This prompted everyone to cheer as they surrounded the lord and princess, who grinned at each other and moved away from each other, allowing them to stand side by side. The cheering then quieted once Prince Daemon walked up to the pair.

“Not bad, boy. You truly have some skill… but I have one last question.”

Benjicot stared at the Prince, making sure never to break eye contact.

Prince Daemon approached Benji and asked, “Would you give up your life for her if given the chance?”

Both Aly and Aemma gasped in shock at the question, “ Kepa , what-”

Daemon raised his hand, pausing her, and continually stared at the Lord of House Blackwood.

“We are at war and have many enemies who will do everything to hurt her or, worse, kill her, so boy, if you needed to, would you give your life for her to ensure she had the best chance to survive.”

Benjicot stared at the Rouge Prince as the rest of the crowd stared in tense silence. Finally, Benjicot kneed in front of the prince, who proudly stated.

“I swear upon the Old Gods of the North and the Fourteen Flames of Valyria that I, Benjicot Blackwood, Lord of Raventree Hall, will love and cherish Crown Princess Aemma Valeyron with everything in my body and soul. To protect and keep her happy and, if need be, lay down my life for her from now until the day I die.”

During his pledge, Princess Aemma started smiling, her eyes welling with tears, and she looked at her father with hopeful eyes. Daemon stared at his daughter before he sighed; he could never say no to her. Daemon reached out and held out his hand for Benji to take. As he helped raise the young from the ground, Daemon shook his hand.

“Very well, you have my blessing to continue courting her until the queen sets the day for your wedding.”

The crowd again cheered as Prince Daemon walked away, allowing Aly Blackwood to hug the princess and the Tully brothers clapping Benjicot on the back with Cregan smiling in the background. Aemma, feeling giddy from the leftover adrenaline, ran to Benji, jumping into his arms and kissing him. Which made the Blackwood and Northern men start whistling. After a while, she separated herself from him, blushing, as he ducked his head, suddenly feeling shy with all the attention on him and his princess.

In the distance, two dragon roars were heard, making everyone turn to the sky widely while Aemma and Daemon looked up.

“DRAGONS!” yelled a few knights as people ran from the clearing. Moondancer and Vermax came into view. Aemma grinned at seeing her brother and step-sister landing as she quickly walked to greet them, with Daemon, Benjicot, and Cregan following her. Once Jace helped Baela off Moondancer, he barely had enough time to compose himself as his sister jumped him. Laughing, he picks her up and spins her around. He had missed her terribly. After putting her down, he smiled at Cregan and nodded at Daemon before he noticed Benjicot. Jacaerys sobered up, looking at the young lord up and down, analyzing him.

“Lord Blackwood…”

#benjicot blackwood #davos blackwood #Benjicot Blackwood/oc #daemon targaryen #rhaenyra targaryen #baela targaryen #jacaerys targaryen #Princess Aemma Velayron (0C)#oc #ao3 fanfic #house of the dragon #hotd season 2 #hotd #house blackwood #bloody ben #thedragonandtheraven

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the20thangel · 2 months

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The Dragon and The Raven Chapter 8 (The Cursed Gift)

Chapter Summary: Aemma tries to explain the situation about Aegon and her to Benjicot. Benjicot feels betrayed and doesn't know how he should be feeling. Will Aemma lose her husband?

Tags: angst, illness, cw: talks of potential miscarriage.

taglist: @callsignwidow @whimsicalmystic02

word count: 3319

Keep track of the story: masterlist

A long beat resounded between Benjicot, looking at his wife, while Aemma glared at the cursed gift.

After another short beat, Aemma turned to Benji with a pleading eye, “Ben, I-”

“What does it mean, ‘You know my heart is yours as your eye mine,’ Aemma?” interrupted Benji, increasingly upset.

Aemma breathed as she tried to reach her husband, who slowly backed away from her, “The ‘gift’ was from Aegon, who has a delusion that I’m in love with him, but-”

“Why would the usurper ever think you love him?” Benjicot asked, looking at her, eyes storming.

Aemma closed her eyes and exhaled through her nose, “When we were children, we made a stupid promise to marry each other, but it was a silly child game… it-”

“It was real enough for him to send a blasted gift for OUR wedding, claiming that he loves you and you love him back!” shouted Benjicot angrily.

Aemma's eyes widened in shock at his response, and she grew slightly upset.

“It's his delusions. He is like a spoiled toddler who throws tantrums when he doesn’t get his way! I don’t love him; we were kids! Ben, you need to understand that!” exclaimed Aemma; she just wanted her husband to understand and let her explain the story calmly.

Benjicot angrily shook his head and started walking towards the tent exit with Aemma following him, “Were you never going to tell me? Hoping that his delusions would just fade or that I am left unaware that a certain false king thinks he has a claim to MY wife?!”

“No! I was going to tell you, but I was going to tell you after the wedding, but then the battle happened, and I didn’t think he was that crazy to send that stupid box!” Aemma explained as she tried to touch his shoulder, but Benji shoved it off.

“I don’t know, Aemma. You told me our courtship shouldn’t start with lies, but here you start our marriage with one…” Turned Benji with tears streaming down his face.

“I would never lie to you, Ben. I don’t love him. I don’t love any other man but you! You are my husband. I don’t want any other man but you!” Aemma started, her heart breaking into pieces, tears streaming down her face.

Benjicot shook his head. “I don’t know; I just need time to think…. I think we should sleep in separate beds for the time being… I just need to not be with you,” he said as he walked out.

“No! Ben… Benji… BENJICOT BLACKWOOD!” Shouted Aemma, gasping as she collapsed to the ground sobbing.

Aemma sobbed for a few minutes before angrily turning to the cursed gift. She grabbed it with the note and threw it into the hearth of the tent. She despised Aegon; she wished Sliverwing had bitten off his head rather than his leg. All she wanted to do was be in her husband's arms, but now he wouldn’t even look at her.

After cleaning herself up and checking that she didn’t look like she was sobbing, she had a few trusted handmaidens take a few of her things and the wedding gifts back to her tent. As she sat on her bed, Aemma stared at the fire. She couldn’t believe her marriage was going to estrangement barely a few days in… As she remembered her grandmother’s words, Aemma wondered if she should have just married for duty and not love. For love, it hurts too much. Oh, how she wished this was a nightmare she could wake from.

As Benjicot returned to his tent, he was muddy and sweaty. He scanned the room, and there was no sign of Aemma. He knew he had asked her to leave, but he hoped she would have disobeyed and stayed. But would he have stayed if she had? Would he have listened to her? He didn’t know; he sighed as he sat on his bed, placing his head in his hands. After a quick bath, he lay in bed, missing his wife’s warmth.

Over the next few weeks, everyone started to notice something going on with the princess and lord, but when they were asked about it, Aemma responded that she was just tense from her grandmother’s injuries and the death of Meleys. Benjicot stated he just wanted to prepare his men for the next battle and needed to perform his mundane lordly duties. Jace and Baela were worried. Aemma was getting skinnier and had dark eye circles, but she always shook them off.

As Rhaenyra prepared to return to Dragonstone with Jacaerys, Baela, Rhaenys, and Corlys, she worried for her daughter and good-son. She called on Aemma, and as she arrived, her daughter smiled at her, but Rhaenyra knew it was forced.

“How are you doing, my sweet girl? I see you have been distant from your husband lately?” asked the queen.

Aemma froze for a second. " We are doing fine, Muna . He is busy with his lordly duties, and I have been too worried about Grandmother… Kepa has also worried me, stating that we are at a considerable disadvantage now that we have lost Meleys.”

Rhaenyra hummed but was still unsure. “Don’t worry. We discussed how we will look for … dragon seeds, those who have the blood of the dragon outside our family.”

“I guess, but I just worry how loyal they will stay with us after they claim a dragon,” explained Aemma, hoping her mother would buy into her worries and not ask more questions.

“We would have to wait and see… but are you sure you are doing okay?” Rhaenyra asked, trying to see through her daughter's shell.

Aemma bit her lip; she had been emotional these past few weeks but didn’t need to worry her mother. Her mother has a war to win against Aegon.

Aemma gave her a small smile and decided to lie again: “I have just been having some nightmares lately. They… they are of grandmother dying …and of Luke.” Technically, Aemma was not lying to her mother. Even though she tried to sleep, she couldn’t. Those nightmares, along with others, made her afraid to sleep. She hated feeling helpless.

Rhaenyra’s heart broke, “Oh, my pearl, have you told your husband? Maybe he-”

“He knows, and he does his best… but I also don’t want to exhaust him… don’t worry, I am drinking some tea to help.” Aemma quickly lied, not wanting to talk about Benjicot; it was still too raw.

Rhaenyra nodded but couldn’t help but think there was something else. She wouldn’t pry, though, knowing how much she hated in her youth to be constantly bothered to speak when you didn’t.

Aemma said, “I will see you at this evening’s feast, Mother.”

Rhaenyra smiled as she saw her daughter leave, feeling helpless.

As Aemma walked towards her tent, she bumped into Aly. Who stated how much she missed her; Alysanne gasped at seeing Aemma’s appearance. She looked like a wilting flower. Aemma tried to ease Aly’s worries, and when she asked if Benji knew, she had to use all her might not to cry. Aemma tried to soothe Alysanne’s concerns as she excused herself, not seeing Alysanne tracking, watching her enter her tent and not into Benji’s. Aly's eyes creased with worry for her good-niece.

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Even though Aemma and Benjicot sat beside each other at the feast, they ignored each other. Aemma wanted to eat her meal quickly to excuse herself, but when she tried the Mutton, she wanted to gag. It tasted horrible to her, and the smell was overpowering. She glanced at the feast and saw everyone enjoying and joking around; no one seemed to mind the food like she did. Once another wave of nausea hit her, she told one of the maids to tell her mother she needed to be excused. She quietly stood and quickly walked out of the feast.

Unbeknownst to her, Benjicot was staring as she left. He sighed and turned back to his food, not feeling the mood of the feast, when two lads jumped him from behind. Oscar and Kermit Tully had arrived and jostled him around, causing the lord to chuckle a bit. Oscar and Kermit began pestering him about his wedding and asking where his lovely princess was.

Kermit jokingly stated, “With a princess that beautiful, he probably has her locked up so no other men can stare at her!”

Causing Benjicot to grow cold, his hands tightening around his spoon. Oscar noticed his friend's mood and stated it was only a jest. Benjicot nodded before he stood tensely, walking out of the feast. Alysanne soon followed, but she took a different route, not wanting to let him know of her presence yet. When she passed the princess’s tent, she heard the sounds of throwing up, and the handmaidens asking the princess to call a healer. Aly, worried, rushed in and saw the princess on the floor throwing up in a bucket. Alysanne ran to the princess, telling the maid to get a healer as she helped Aemma. Aemma tried to push her away, but Aly would not budge.

As the healer arrived, she began accessing the princess and asking her numerous questions. Aemma gave her symptoms and how she couldn’t sleep, worrying Aly more. Aly asked the healer if she knew what was causing this.

The healer wondered, “When was your last moon blood, my princess?”

Aemma and Aly gasped, Aemma feeling her heart drop as she remembered it was three weeks before her wedding. The Healer nodded and announced that the princess was expecting, but before Aly could rejoice, the healer told the princess that because she was frail right now, her body was at high risk of losing the babe. Aemma closed her eyes in despair; she was failing at her duty…

Aly asked what could help the princess, making the healer respond.

“Whatever is causing you heartache or deep unrest, princess, I suggest you fix it soon, not only for your own health but that of your babe’s, my princess.” The healer excused herself, leaving the room.

Alysanne looked at Aemma, who started fidgeting with her rings. Aly sat beside her and pleaded with her about what was happening and why she was so stressed. Aemma finally broke down in tears, explaining the green box, the note, the argument, and the explanation she wanted to give her nephew, but he always tried to evade her. So she had given up trying to speak to him; now she needed to worry about her baby, making sure she could at least perform her duty to her husband. Alysanne embraced the princess as she grew angry; yes, the princess should have told Benjicot sooner, but for her nephew to just push away his wife, not only was he risking his relationship with their allies but with the health of his wife and unborn child. Alysanne stayed with Aemma until the princess tired herself out. Once she saw her sleeping, Aly left to scold her nephew.

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“Why am I finding out that you have pushed your wife away from you?” shouted Alysanne, scaring Benjicort from his place.

“What?” he asked confused.

Aly’s nose flared as she repeated her question. Benjicot frowned and told his aunt she didn’t fully understand. This made Alysanne more upset. She stated that she knew everything, and while she could understand the betrayal, it was not severe to just push the princess away. Benjicot sighed, saying that they just needed time away from each other to think about what they wanted their marriage to be. Alysanne became furious.

“Now I know, this isn’t about her not telling you; this is about you being self-conscious about your position as her husband. Knowing that other men find her attractive makes you scared you are going to lose her. Well, my nephew, if you were going to be one of those paranoid men, then maybe you shouldn’t have married a beautiful Valyrian princess. There will always be men lusting over her. Do you not think Ser Leanor or Prince Daemon knew about that with the Queen? But they understood their wife’s beauty and didn’t let that stop them from loving their wife. But the second you find out, a stupid man holds delusions of a stupid childhood. You give up on your marriage! Have you seen your wife, she…. She’s struggling, Ben, and you… you don’t see her fading away.” ranted Aly, tears streaming down her face, remembering what Aemma looked like.

Benjicot was shocked; he knew his aunt was right about why he and Aemma fought. He wasn’t truly upset at Aemma for not telling him but more concerned that she would one day realize he wasn’t the best husband for her and leave. But hearing that she was struggling made Benji want to wallow in guilt. Was he genuinely ignoring her that he did not notice?

Alysanne knew that she had finally made a breakthrough: " Please at least talk to her… let her explain fully…she’s … sick, Benjicot and your strained relationship with her is only harming her more.” Lying about being sick and not telling him about the pregnancy was princess news to bear.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day, Benjicot walked to Aemma’s tent. Going in, he saw her face. Her cheekbones started showing sunken, and she had dark undereye circles. His heart broke; he was the cause of this; as much as he wanted to lay in bed with her, fully acknowledging how much he missed her, he couldn’t. Walking out, he left to train, feeling the need to blow away some steam, imagining all the practice dummies to be a certain green king.

As Aemma woke up, she noticed her breakfast was laid out but already cold. A maid told her mother had just left, not wishing to disturb the princess from sleeping. Aemma nodded as she remembered the healer’s and Aly’s words from last night. Reignited with fire, she decided: after spending time with Sliverwing, she would find her husband, make him listen, and, for their babe’s sake, have a cordial marriage if they could not have a fierce love one.

Walking to her dragon, she could hear steel hitting something with intensity. As she turned, she saw her husband hitting the dummies with vicious and precise force. Aemma sharply inhaled; he looked handsome, fully acknowledging how much she had missed him. She walked towards him, stopping a few feet away and waiting a second before speaking.

“Good morrow, my lord,” she spoke lightly, watching as he tensed up before turning to meet her gaze. His eyes were storming as he breathed heavily from the intense training.

There was a moment of silence as both stared, watching the other, with only the sound of a breeze.

“Be- My lord, I was hoping you could spare a few minutes for an audience with me?” asked Aemma.

Benjicot cringed internally; they had not used their proper titles since the first night they met. Nodding, he walked down a path away from prying eyes as he sat on the grass, seeing how she struggled to sit down, causing a new wave of guilt to come over him.

Aemma sat beside her husband as she asked for her fire to return to her. She could do this… for her babe.

“I want to explain everything; I’m asking you to please listen until the very end…” pleaded Aemma, waiting until Benjicot nodded to continue.

“When my family and I still lived in the red keep, this was when I was eight name days old, Aegon and I were watching our brothers train; he was talking about how his mother was talking about future marriages with him and how he did not want that. I took pity on him and joked about how we could marry each other, to which he agreed. He asked for a kiss to seal, and I was a naive girl, so I gave him a chaste kiss. I would have no idea if he actually took this as a promise. As I grew older and heard how he was treating the servant girls and my aunt Heleana, I decided to withdraw from him and Aemond, who is another whole situation. I have never really loved him; I will never love him. How could I love a man like him who takes things that don’t belong to him, who ruins someone's happiness? Who would gladly celebrate kin slaying? How can he compare to you, a brave fighter who takes responsibility for his family and people? Someone who has a kind heart hidden in layers of a solider. I have never had someone make me feel safe and loved like you have. You are easy to fall in love with, and I will gladly rip my heart for you to prove how much my heart belongs to you and not Aegon. I will gladly die for you. I know I broke your trust and may never win it back, and if you feel you cannot love me back, then I ask… I ask that we may be cordial with each other… for the sake of the babe.” ranted Aemma, looking down, not wanting to see his reactions.

Benjicot gasped and stared at his wife's still flat belly… a babe… a child was growing in her body. This filled him with more guilt; he left her alone. She found out by herself and was willing to not have a loving relationship, in her thoughts, all for the babe. Benji shakenly reached out and raised her chin, pressing his forehead to hers.

“A babe…” We are going to have a babe?” asked Benjicot as Aemma looked into his eyes and nodded. Benji took a second before he continued, “ I—I just hate that he thinks you belong to him…” Benji whispered to her.

Aemma reached out and caressed his cheek. “I will never belong to him. I pledged my love to you before the Old Gods and the Fourteen Flames. My heart and soul belong to you and you alone. We made a blood bond; no other person will exist for me.”

Benjicot kissed her hand, “How is the babe?”

Once Aemma heard the question, she faltered and turned away. Benjicot turned her back to him, reminding him of when she had done the same to him. “Aemma, we promised not to lie to each other…please”. Benjicot pleaded with her as he noticed her taking a shaken breath.

Aemma turned with tears in her eyes, “I’m at risk of losing the babe…. But I promise I will do my best to do my duty as your wife. House Blackwood will have a-”

Benji kissed her, cutting her off, “Fuck duty, I will not lose you over a babe. If the gods wish to bless us, they will provide another babe, but they cannot give me another Aemma.”

Aemma sobbed as she kissed him back; she had missed him so much. After sharing a sweet kiss, they stood, Benji, leading his princess to their tent.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the tent, there were faint gasps, moans, and grunts… with whispers of ‘I love you’s. Aemma lay in the arms of her husband, sleeping soundly, as Benji stared at his wife's naked and flat stomach. Their babe was growing inside there, and he almost lost them both to Aegon's fault. He now understood Rhaenyra’s and Aemma’s reasoning; in their delusions, the Greens will always hurt others to get what they deem theirs. They don’t love; they just take and ruin. They nearly destroyed his marriage, but Benjicot now knew better. He would fight for his love and family as his Aemma did. Then as Benji pulled his dragon princess closer to him, kissing her, he made a promise the next time he saw that green drunken whoremonger king, there will be a sword slicing through his fat stomach.

#benjicot blackwood #fanfic #house of the dragon #Princess Aemma Velayron (oc)#benjicot x reader #house blackwood #Benjicot Blackwood/oc #bloody ben #hotd #hotd season 2 #hotd fanfic #ao3 fanfic #hotd spoilers #aegon ii targaryen #aegon ii bashing #TheDragonandTheRaven

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the20thangel · 2 months

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The Dragon and The Raven Chapter 12: Funeral Pyre and New Beginnings

Chapter Summary: As the Targaryen, Velayrons, and Blackwoods say goodbye to Prince Jacaerys, a new life begins. A baby for House Blackwood and Targaryen. A new rider for Seasmoke.

Tags: Child birth, funeral

Word count: 3.8k

Taglist: @callsignwidow @whimsicalmystic02 @mercedesdecorazon @rhaenyrathecruelwithteats @ithilwen-blackwood @poppyflower-22 @alastorhazbin

(please let me know if I missed someone)

Keep track of the story: Masterlist

Wails of pain rang out throughout the halls of Dragonstone. Maids and servants go in and out of Princess Aemma's birthing chamber. The princess lay on the bed, sweating, her hair messy and knotted. As she took haggard breaths in between sobs, she tried her best to push her child out of her body, but no matter how much she did, they would not come. Her Grandmother, Princess Rhaenys, with tears running down her face, tried as best she could to comfort her sea dragon, but to no avail.

“Please…please… I want him…please,” begged Aemma, reaching her hand out for the person she was looking desperately looking for.

Elinda sobs as she turns away, memories of Rhaenyra’s tragic birth of Visneya coming back to her mind. Her Queen and Princess, history repeating itself. She could only pray that the gods would be merciful this time to help the princess give birth to her child.

“My princess, he will come soon. You must push for your son,” the midwife pleaded, unsure if she was talking about her child or her husband. Poor child, the midwife thought.

Aemma just sobbed more, trying her best to be strong, and gave another weak push before the midwives made her stop, telling her to rest for a while. All were getting worried; it had been nearly ten hours and nothing. As Rhaenys moved the hair from her granddaughter's face, Aemma turned to her; her heart broke even more from seeing her in such a state.

Rhaenys turned and quietly asked a servant if she knew where the queen was. The servant girl answered, saying the queen was still with the prince’s body. Rhaenys exhaled through her nose. She could not imagine being Rhaenyra and choosing where to be with her daughter or son. She nodded to the girl and focused again on Aemma, leaning in to hear what the princess was whispering.

Aemma turned to her grandmother, grasping at her hand when another wave of pain hit her, trying her best not to push since the midwives told her to hold in. She quietly began to whisper.

“Please, bring him to me…” pleaded Aemma, her brows creasing from the pain.

“Who sweet, girl… who are you asking for…” Pondered Rhaenys, looking for answers as the princess gave a loud groan of pain.

Groaning, Aemma raised her voice into a scream: " Him… jace… Luke… BEN… I WANT THEM HERE……AH!”

Aemma could no longer hold it; she needed to push. Raising her body, she pushed with all her might, pleading for her babe to get out. Still, nothing came as the princess flopped herself to the bed, exhausted. Rhaenys, feeling helpless, began to shout to the midwives and the maesters to find something, a drink, an herb, or a technique to help the princess.

In the corner, she silently stood, Baela, watching her step-sister struggle to bring life into the world. She could not help but feel in awe of Aemma’s strength she was displaying given the circumstances. Even if it didn’t look like it, to keep pushing and not giving up, she didn’t know if she would have been able to if she was in her position. Seeing Aemma plead again, Baela decided she needed to help, and the only way she could think about was to bring Benjicot faster to Dragonstone. Baela pushed through the crowd, ignoring the protests as she leaned into Aemma’s ear, whispering her plan. Aemma panted, looking at her, and with a weary smile, she nodded, encouraging Balea to run out of the room.

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Rhaenyra was silent, crying on her son’s cold chest. Jacaerys’ body was moved to his chambers, and a few maids volunteered to prepare the prince’s body for his funeral pyre. As Rhaenyra mourned, her heart clenched with every wail she heard coming from Aemma’s birthing chamber. She was torn; she wanted to be there for her little girl, but her body would not move. As she took another shaky breath, a servant came in quietly. She whispered to her Queen that the maesters were becoming worried for Princess Aemma’s health. She was getting weaker and weaker as the hours progressed, with no sign of her babe coming out. They wanted to consult with the queen for the next course of action.

This made Rhaenyra's blood freeze; surely they wouldn’t dare to advise her… she would never do what her father did to her mother…Never. Becoming angry, Rhaenyra asked the maids to prepare her son as she hurried down the hall into Aemma’s chambers. Rhaenyra recoiled at the scent of blood coming out of the room. She nearly sobbed, seeing her darling girl suffering, pushing her way to her daughter’s side. She quickly kissed her brow, letting her know she was finally here for her daughter.

Aemma whimpered as her mother kissed her brow; she was terrified.

“Muna…please…I can’t do it anymore…I… I don’t want to die…” cried Aemma, closing her eyes in despair as her mother hushed her.

“Don’t speak like that, my pearl, you will not die… you are the blood of the dragon…you are fierce and strong.” comforted Rhaenyra, sorrowful as she saw her daughter shake her head.

“I heard the maesters… they fear…my babe could die…please help me, Muna,” slurred the princess, her chest falling up and down heavily.

Rhaenys and Rhaenyra glared at the maester, who started sweating at the sight of the intensity of the purple eyes.

Rhaenyra kissed her daughter’s crown, turning her face as she spoke, “Yes, you can. You are Crown Princess Aemma Velayron of Houses Targaryen and Velayron. You have the Blood of Old Valyria. You do not hide from battle but go headfirst to protect those you love. This is a different battle, but nonetheless, this is a battlefield we women face at one point in our lives. You must track through this battle with the confidence and strength of a dragon. Your babe is ready to come into this world. They felt your sorrow and wanted to comfort you. I will be here, and I know I am not who you wish to be on your side right now, but when your babe finally enters, I will gladly place them in your arms. You both will survive this battle, so when I say go, you will take a great inhale and push with all your might.”

Aemma nodded at her mother, feeling a new strength come over her. As Rhaenyra commanded her, she inhaled, pressing all her might, letting out a gruntle yell, and began pushing again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Benjicot was anxious, but he couldn’t pinpoint the reason why. He just woke up with the sensation. He felt that maybe Harrenhal was starting to affect him, but he also thought it might be that he had yet to receive a raven back from Aemma. It was not like her to wait too long to reply to his ravens. Aly tried to calm him, claiming that Aemma might have been busy or too tired to respond as quickly as before. As he tried to convince himself, he couldn't help but let his mind wander. Benji was breaking his fast with his good father, Cregan, and his aunt. He thought he heard dragon wings in the distance as he pushed his food around. When a servant came running in, holding a raven for Daemon. Demon slowly raised his head, looking tired again, and opened the letter. Before the Rouge Prince could start reading, Baela burst into the hall, causing everyone to stiffen.

Daemon stood shocked, “Daughter, why are-”

Baela shook her head, tears streaming down her face; she turned to Benjioct, whose heart dropped to his stomach. Did something happen to Aemma?

“Ben, you need to come with me quick, Aemma… she is struggling to give birth, and Jace-” Baela couldn’t finish her sentence as a sob ripped out of her throat.

Benjicot stood with such force, his chair banging on the floor, that he ran to Baela, grabbed her arms, and shook her.

“What happened? Aemma is not due yet, so why does Jacaerys have to do with her giving birth?”

“Benjicot, unhand her!” cried Aly as she ran and separated her nephew from the lady.

She understood him and was worried for the princess, but getting upset at Lady Baela would not answer anything.

Daemon looks at the scene in front of him, nearly wanting to slice the Blackwood lord for roughing handling his daughter. When he glanced at the letter that burned to be opened and read, it was from Dragonstone; quickly, he opened the letter, his blood running cold as he read. Jace was dead, and Aemma, in her anguish, began her births early. His son was dead, and his daughter was fighting for her and her child’s life. His dragons… Daemon shouted angrily as he slammed his fist on the table, causing everyone to pause, looking at the King Consort in fear.

Swirling, he faces his daughter with grief-stricken disbelief. Baela sucked in a short breath, knowing that her father now knew what was happening to their family. She nodded in confirmation to her father.

Daemon was conflicted about leaving Harrenhal and possibly giving the greens the advantage over the Riverlands or going to his family in their most dire need. Baela saw her father’s internal battle, but she did not care; if he wanted to contemplate what he believed was more important, he could stay, but Aemma needed her husband.

“Please, Ben, just come. I’ll explain everything on the way; you just need to go to Dragonstone.” beseeched Baela, hoping he would quickly follow.

Benjicot nodded as he turned to his aunt, who wordlessly confirmed she would stay and take charge of House Blackwood until his return. His wife and child came first. As Balea and Ben ran out of the hall, ignoring the concerned looks of the men, Baela walked to Moondancer, asking her dragon for this once to allow a second passenger. As the dragon gazed at the lord, Benji stood cautiously. He wanted to get to his wife fast, but he knew better than to rush to a dragon unless he wanted to risk being decapitated. Moondancer crawled his body to the lord, analyzing Benji and sniffing, judging if he should be allowed. After a moment, Moondancer lowered his body, permitting Baela and Benjicot to climb him. Quickly, the two sat themselves, Baela noticing Caraxes going to the entrance of the ruined fortress, with a figure running towards the long-necked dragon. Giving the command, Moondancer soared into the air, flying as fast as he could to Dragonstone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back at the castle, Rhaenyra and Rhaenys grinded their teeth through the pain in their hands. Aemma had a death grip on them as she continued to push. Both women guided her breathing to ensure she placed the correct energy in her pushing. The midwives started expressing joy to the Targaryen women; the babe's head was out, and two more pushes should be enough to bring the child out of the princess's body.

Rhaenyra sobbed in relief. She turned to Aemma, “You are so close ñuha prūmia, nearly there, two more pushes.”

Aemma nodded as she breathed in; she raised her body again and gave a push, feeling some tension slowly releasing, everyone around her expressing joy; her babe was almost here. As she prepared for her final push, she began to hear Sliverwing, Syrax, Vermithor, and Seasmoke singing. All dragons were feeling the emotions of their riders. With one final yell, the tension was released. The midwives' relieved cheers resounded through the air as a small whimper leading into a wail lifted the hearts of those in the room.

“A boy, my princess! A beautiful boy!” celebrated Elinda Massey, who handed the baby to Rhaenyra.

Rhaenyra let tears flow down her cheeks; she was a grandmother. Her heart broke slightly as she took in the baby’s features. He looked so much like Lucerys, Jacaerys, and Joffrey when they were born. She kissed the babe’s crown, turning to her tired daughter.

Aemma was leaning on pillows stacked behind her back, and seeing her mother’s tears also made her emotional. Her boy was here, but not his father. She felt guilty that Benji missed their son's birth, but as the baby was placed in her arms, she thought it was worth it. He was perfect; he had lighter skin than hers, and Ben’s beautiful dark hair seemed to want to curl like hers and her brother’s. As she caressed his face, her baby opened his eyes, purple staring at purple. Aemma grinned as she kissed her son's forehead, causing the baby to sigh and snuggle to his mother’s chest.

Outside the window, Seasmoke passed the room, chirping and singing. The dragon knew his rider was finally in the world. Aemma tearily grinned, hearing her father’s now son’s dragon coming to greet her son. As she let Rhaneys take him to the window for Seasmoke to see. Aemma finally let herself grieve. Yes, she was happy her son was alive and in her arms, but her brother was gone. Her brother, who, as a child, expressed how he wanted their children to have a close bond like siblings. Her brother, who confessed to her a moon ago, would petition to marry Baela quickly because he and Baela wanted to give a cousin to her son.

She barely accepted that Luke wouldn’t be here, and now she had to admit that Jace wouldn’t either. She cried for her sweet brothers. The world was too cruel for them. They could not help the circumstances of their birth or their hair color. She knew the rumors about Ser Harwin and her mother but did not care. Jacaerys and Lucerys were her brothers; Laenor raised both. That was all that should have mattered, but a bitter green queen ruined everything. Now, because of her and her poisoned words, her brothers were gone.

Rheanyra, seeing her daughter’s tears, hugged her, hushing and comforting her.

“I know, sweet girl, I wish they were here too,” she whispered as she kissed her cheek.

Aemma weakly smiled at her mother, taking her baby back from her grandmother. As she began to feed him, she turned back to them.

“I wish to see him…” Aemma muttered.

Rhaenyra and Rhaenys share a look. They knew she would want to see Jace, but she should not put too much strain on herself, not after such hard labor.

Rhaenys sighed, “I know, but you will need to wait. You had a difficult labor, and your body is still weak. Let your body rest and bond with your boy. Then we will help you see your brother. Nothing will be done until Baela returns,” Rhaenys assured her as she combed her granddaughter's hair.

Aemma sighed, knowing they were right. Feeling tired, she asked her mother to keep her son safe. Laying down, while closing her eyes, she wished Ben was here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After a day, two dragons arrived in Dragonstone, with three people jumping off and running to the castle. As Ben burst into the castle, making a maid jump in fright, he quickly apologized, asking her where Princess Aemma was. The maid answered that the whole family was in Prince Jacaerys chambers. Nodding, he followed his good father and Baela to Jace’s room. As the guard opened the door, they saw a melancholy sight. Aemma was sitting to Jace’s right, holding a red and black bundle in her arms. Rhaenyra is behind her daughter, leaning on the wall with her eyes closed. To the left were Corlys and Rhaenys, with Rhaneys humming a lullaby, staring at Jace. In the foot of the bed stood Addam and Alyn Velayron with their heads bowed.

Hearing the chambers open, Aemma raised her sight, gasping at the people. Everyone turned and nodded at the three. Ben first moved to his wife, stopping to bow to his good mother before turning to Aemma, kneeling in front of her. Aemma smiled at him, looking at him with love and grief.

“You’re finally here…” whispered Aemma, leaning into her husband’s kiss, making sure not to squish their son.

Benji gave another kiss and apologized for not being at her side sooner, which Aemma waved off; he couldn’t have known. As she moved slightly back, she rose from her seat, telling her mother she would take a walk with Benjicot. As the queen nodded, Ben took hold of his wife and left the Prince’s room. As they walked out to the courtyard, Ben stared at his son. He had a son; looking at him, he couldn’t tell if he looked more like him or Aemma.

Aemma, seeing his gaze, smiled and kissed her son’s cheek, making the baby stretch and open his eyes. The baby stared at his father for the first time. As Ben took in his son’s eyes, he rejoiced; he had hoped their children would inherit Aemma’s eye color. Expressing his thoughts, Aemma let out a quiet giggle.

“He may have my eyes, but he is pure Blackwood, just like his father,” Aemma explained happily. She loved how, every day, her son looked more and more like Ben. Of course, there were a few differences, mainly in his hair texture; her son was graced with her curls.

As the princess handed her son to Ben, Seasmoke sang again, landing in the quiet courtyard with as much grace as a dragon could have. Crawling to the small family, he sniffed Benjioct briefly before turning his head to their son. The babe turned his purple eyes to the grey dragon, his face scrunching as he yawned, snuggling further into his father’s arms.

Aemma smiled, “I fear we will never be able to separate them once he is older.”

Benji smiled; he did not mind if it meant his boy would always be protected. As the family and dragon stood in tranquility, Aemma turned to Benji.

“He needs a name; I did not want to give him one without your input.”

Benjicot smiled at her, touched by how much she thought of him. He hummed while looking at his son; he would once ask for him to be named after his twin, Davos, but looking at him now. His son did not seem like a Davos. As he suggested Jacaerys or Lucerys, Aemma teared up, shaking her head.

“No, he doesn’t look like a Jace or Luke…I don’t think I could name my child after my brothers, at least not yet… it's too soon.”

Benji smirked slightly, teasing his wife, “But maybe one day if we have more children.”

Aemma flushed at her husband’s teasing, “I will have all the children you wish to give me, my love. I will proudly carry them as long as my body permits me to.”

Benji groaned at his princess's words, kissing her lips. If only she knew how much power she had over him. He would give every babe she desired from him. Smiling into his kiss, the dragon princess separated herself, returning to the question of names.

Trying to remember the names he briefly read from a Valyrian book here, he remembered one that he felt could still honor Jace.

“What about Jaesys… it still a unique name while honoring your brother?” said Benji, looking at his wife’s reaction.

Aemma’s eyes widened to her son, Jaesys; she liked the name. Touched by Ben's always-considerate nature, she smiled and agreed. Jaesys Blackwood, first of his name, heir to House Blackwood and the scion of houses Velayron and Targaryen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After Aemma and Benjicot left, everyone else besides the queen departed to prepare for the Prince’s funeral. Walking to his son, seeing his ghostly color and closed eyes, Daemon wanted to rage; another of his boys was lost to those greens. In the background, Rhaenyra stared at her husband, wishing she could understand his thoughts. She was upset with him yes, but it did not mean she stopped loving him. Walking to sit next to her son, she saw Daemon walk closer to her. He kneeled infront of her as he took Jace’s hand, crying at the loss.

Here was another reason she loved him: even if he did not sire them, Daemon loved every single one of her children from her first marriage, taking them as his own and loving them as fiercely as he did with his daughters from Laena. Both parents closed their eyes, mourning their dutiful and caring son.

Rising, he gazed at his wife. Daemon stood, kissing her on her cheek, making Rhaenyra look at him.

“I love you…” he stated, taking a loose strain in his hands.

Rhaenyra tearfully smiled at her husband, “I love you.” she assured him.

She did love him; she was just upset at his actions. He was rash, doing things he meant to show as a sign of his love and protection without seeing the more immense consequences. Nevertheless, she loved him; he was her blood-bonded husband and twin flame, always burning for each other.

“They will pay for this… the greens-”

“Shh…” interrupted Rhaenyra, taking her husband’s head to her chest as they both began to cry again. She knew this was his way of grieving, but they would not talk about revenge, not today. Today was just about saying goodbye to their son.

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Houses Blackwood, Targaryen, and Velayron stood by the cliff, looking at the pyre holding Prince Jacaerys’ body. Daemon and Rhaenyra were at the front, with Aemma, Baela, Jaesys, and Benjicot at the queen’s side. Ben was holding the babe as Aemma and Balea leaned onto each other. Corlys, Rhaneys, Addam, and Alyn at Daemon’s side. All were looking at the prince with sadness. Corlys looked to his family, clearing his throat; he would be the one to give the speech before someone lit the pyre.

“Prince Jacaerys was a true prince. He knew the hardships of duty and never faltered from them. He knew what he needed to do to support his family, fighting bravely for them. But he was more than that; he loved fiercely. His duty was based on love. Everyone here was touched by his love in some shape and form. We mourn the kind, respectful, honorable, loving, and fierce prince. We hope his family that has passed will greet him in the Realm of Balerion. May his soul rest.”

Everyone bowed their heads with tears streaming down their faces. As they turned to Rhaenyra, she sobbed, closing her eyes. She couldn’t do it… she could not light this pyre had she not done it enough times already. As they all saw her struggle, Aemma walked forward, her eyes red from crying. She looked at all the dragons present: Sliverwing, Vermithor, Grey Ghost, Caraxes, Syrax, Seasmoke, and Moondancer. All dragons stared at her, gulping at their power; she turned back to her brother’s body, Whispering the words Dracarys.

A beat passed, and then all gasped as Seasmoke walked up first, blowing a short flame to the pyre. Leanor’s dragon said goodbye, and as Seasmoke stepped back, each dragon took turns stepping up and breathing more fire into the pyre, ending with Syrax. As the golden lady finished sending her flames, she screeched, leading the other dragons to screech, all seemingly mourning like their riders for the Dragon Prince.

Daemon stared at the flames as he whispered, “He was a true dragon.”

#fanfic #benjicot blackwood/oc #benjicot blackwood #house of the dragon #thedragonandtheraven #hotd #hotd fanfic #ao3 fanfic #Princess Aemma Velayron (oc)#prince jacaerys

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the20thangel · 3 months

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The Dragon and Raven: Chapter 6 (The Wedding)

Chapter Summary: The day has arrived, the day the princess and her lord come to marry.

Notes: There is a steamy session, so MDNI !!! 18+ for this chapter,

Word count: 4275

Keep track of the story: masterlist

The camp was busy in the week leading up to Queen Rhaenyra’s arrival at Harrenhall and the Crown Princess’s wedding. Aemma herself scarcely saw Benji throughout the week, having to make quick preparations for her three ceremonies. They concluded Cregan would officiate the ceremony in front of the weirwood tree, Maester Gerardys would do the Seven Faith ceremony, and Princess Rhaenys would officiate for the Valyrian. Rhaenys, being the eldest of the Targaryen clan and grandmother of the bride, had the privilege and right to see her granddaughter bound her heart and soul to her new husband. Baela and Aemma worked on her maiden cloak. A beautiful black cloak with red accents that weaved along the edges, and in the middle is the sigil of House Targaryen, a three-headed dragon embroidered in red thread. To honor her Velayron's heritage, Aemma decided to replace one of the dragon heads with that of the seahorse. Alysanne Blackwood took the liberty to create Aemma’s marriage cloak, which the princess had yet to see, claiming it was her wedding gift to her and her nephew.

Benjicot and Jacaerys finally seemed to bond with one another, with Benji helping Jacaerys train each day whenever they had the time. Aemma knew she should be happy that her older brother finally accepted her future husband. However, she was annoyed; she had hardly seen Benji this week due to the wedding preparations and any free time instead of spending it together. Benji is occupied with her brother or father.

Aemma sighed in her bath. She got a letter from her mother stating that they were only a few days away and that she had a special surprise for her. She wondered what it would be; it couldn't be Rhaena and her three youngest siblings, for it was too risky. Maybe it was her wedding gown? Nevertheless, she would soon find out. Aemma stepped out of her bath and quickly threw on a silk chemise, for it was too humid for something thicker. As Aemma walked into her makeshift bed chamber, she gasped at feeling two strong arms around her waist. She soon leaned into the arms, catching the scent that can only be connected to Benjicot.

“You shouldn’t be in here..” whispered Aemma, not meaning her words as she turned to face Benji.

Benji smiled crookedly at her as he brought her closer and kissed her. Aemma threw her arms around his shoulders and pressed her body to him, deepening the kiss. After a while, Benji’s arms snaked down to her thighs as he raised her, with Aemma hooking her legs to his waist as he led them to her bed. Laying her bed, Benji kissed her neck, careful not to leave any marks. Then, to her cheeks before placing one on her forehead. They never went further than kissing, as much as they both wanted to. Aemma smiled at him; she would never tire of his kisses. Benji lay next to her, bringing her body to press against his as he drew imaginary circles on her thighs. This is how they usually spent the night: Aemma or him sneaking to each other's tents, sleeping in each other's arms, and quickly sneaking back to their own in the morning. So far, no one seemed to catch what the princess and the lord did each night.

“How was your day today?” asked Aemma, looking up into his stormy eyes.

“It was fine; your father and brother were explaining to me what to expect from the Valyrian wedding, but after a while, it grew awkward, and Jace practically ran out of the tent.” Chuckled Benji, remembering Jacaerys’s face turning bright red once Daemon explained the last portion of the ceremony.

Aemma giggled. Yes, she supposed it would be embarrassing to hear that after the blood bonding and vows, Benjicot had to quickly bed her in the middle of the fourteen flames to ensure the gods of Old Valyria would bless her marriage. Usually, it would be done on top of the altar, but since they were in Harrenahll, after the vows, the flames would be taken to a tent, where Benjicot and Aemma would spend some time there before the feast.

“What about you, my love?” Asked Benjicot as he pressed another kiss on her crown.

Aemma sighed; she loved hearing those words come out of his mouth.

“Aly and Cregan walked me through the ceremony that would take place in front of the weirwood tree…. They asked me who I wanted to present me… Jace or Daemon.” Aemma sighed; she was unsure.

Technically, it should be Jace since her birth father was gone, but Daemon has been her father ever since. She did not want to disrespect Laenor, but she also wanted to honor Daemon. Benjicot thought for a second, knowing her words and concerns were valid.

“Why don’t you let Jace do the Northern ceremony and have Daemon walk you to the Valryain one? That way, you honor both sides of your family without causing strain?” advised Benji as he was met with another kiss to his mouth.

Aemma smiled at the kiss as she pulled away, laughing at him when he tried to continue kissing her. “You do know how much I love you?”

Benjicot smirked, “Yes, but I never grow tired of hearing come out of your pretty lips.”

Aemma giggled as she placed her head on his neck, “We should sleep if you are going to sneak out before the others wake tomorrow morning.”

Benji, hmm, and he made himself more comfortable; he couldn’t wait until they could stop sneaking and sleep in the same bed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The following day, everyone was off doing their daily routines; Benjicot and Jacaerys were training with Daemon and Cregan. Baela was checking with Alysanne about the marriage cloak. While Aemma decided to patrol in the sky, she felt guilty about neglecting Sliverwing and decided to fly over the camp. Just because her wedding was coming soon did not mean the war had paused; they needed to stay vigilant. Aemma was about to turn back when she heard a Dragon shrill, whipping to the sound. Aemma scanned the air around her… When then, a golden blur soared out of the clouds. Syrax, her mother’s mount, greeted Sliverwing and her rider’s daughter. Then came out the Red Queen herself, Meleys, with her grandmother on top and someone behind her grandmother. Aemma gasped as she commanded Sliverwing to land, seeing a crowd gathering to greet the queen and her party.

“Mother!” exclaimed Aemma and Jace, each running to their mother. Rhaenyra, teary-eyed, embraced her two eldest children in her arms. Baela ran to Rhaenys, hugging her grandmother.

Rhaenyra took Aemma’s face, caressing her daughter’s cheek. “Oh, how much I missed you, my Pearl,” whispered Rhaenyra as she kissed her daughter’s brow.

“I have missed you as well, Muna…” replied Aemma as she looked behind her mother, gasping at the man hugging Baela.

“Gransire?” questioned Aemma as she saw Corlys smile at the princess. Aemma squealed with delight as she ran to hug her grandfather, who welcomed the princess into his arms and kissed her crown.

“My little Sea Dragon, you did not think I would miss your wedding now, did you?” questioned Corlys as Aemma stepped back with a massive grin.

“Oh, I am so happy you are here!” exclaimed Aemma, truly happy that Corlys’s health became well enough for him to travel away from Driftmark.

Aemma led her family towards the camp as the Vale, Northern, and Riverlands men bowed to the Queen and her royal party. Benjicot was highly nervous; Queen Rhaenyra, Princess Rhaenys, and Lord Corlys were all a force to be reckoned with, especially concerning Aemma. Luckily, before Rhaenyra reached him, Daemon walked up, bowing to his wife. Rhaenyra froze. She was still upset with his decisions regarding Blood and Cheese. Aemma looked at her two parents and sighed. She, too, was upset with the events, but she also did not want her wedding to turn ice cold with two parents awkwardly dancing around each other.

“Please, can we not make this awkward for a few days? Allow me to have a happy wedding, and then, if you want, you can continue ignoring each other, just not during my wedding?” Aemma pleaded with her parents in High Valyrian.

Rhaenyra took a deep breath, nodded to her daughter, and gave Daemon a strained smile. “Of course…. Now introduce me to the lord who managed to win your heart.”

Aemma smiled as she extended her hand as Benjicot took it, being led to the Dragon Queen. Benjicot gave a nervous smile as he clumsily bowed to his queen.

“My queen, House Blackwood is honored to fight for you.” he greeted shakenly.

Rhaenyra smiled at the young lord, finding it endearing how nervous he was.

“Lord Blackwood, thank you. Again, I want to express my condolences to your father and brother. House Targaryen grieves with you.”

“Thank you, my queen,” replied Benji as he bowed to her again.

Rhaenyra nodded as she addressed the rest of the camp, asking them to stand and dismiss them so they could return to their previous activities. Rhaenyra then turned and motioned for her family and the young lord to follow her. Once she entered a tent set up for her, she sat and asked how the wedding preparations were going.

“They are all set for tomorrow, Mother,” replied Aemma as she held Benji’s hand on her lap.

“Although I did want to clear up one more thing now that grandsire is here,” she further explained as everyone turned to her and waited for her to continue.

“Since I have three ceremonies, I need someone to present me for each one, and now I feel confident with my decisions on who I want for each. For the Northern one, I want Gransire to present me, the faith; it will be Jace, and the last one will be Daemon… each representing the most important men in my life,” she whispered, staring at each man, all who seemed surprised but overjoyed in being a part of her wedding.

Rhaenyra's eyes watered, knowing that Aemma was missing Laenor and Lucerys more than ever. They should have been here witnessing her marriage, but fate was cruel. Everyone else in the room agreed with these decisions, and Corlys asked when the ceremonies would begin.

Benji cleared his throat, capturing the room's attention. " The first ceremony is based on the old ways of the north. We usually do them at night. It will be small, and only family will be present.”

“Then we should rest; we have a long day starting tonight. We need to make sure we are not exhausted before reaching the last ceremony,” commanded Rhaenyra as everyone stood leaving the tent.

“Aemma, please stay; I have something to give you,” asked Rhaenyra to her daughter.

Aemma nodded, smiling at her betrothed as he left the tent. Turning to her mother, she gasped. Her mother held a beautiful ball gown, a black dress with red accents and sheer sleeves. The dress was gorgeous and would greatly complement her maiden cloak.

“Usually, Highborn ladies would wear white to their weddings, but you are a Valyrian princess; you do not need to follow the ways of the seven,” explained Rhaenyra.

“It's gorgeous, Mother,” whispered Aemma as she ran her fingers on the red accents.

“I’m glad you like it. Now go rest; your grandmother, Baela, and I will go later to help you get ready.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At the hour of the wolf stood the Targaryen, Velaryon, and Blackwood families beside the weirwood trees, all holding torches to light the darkest hour of the night, with Cregan Stark standing before Benjicot waiting for the Princess. It did not take long before they gasped at the sight before them. Princess Aemma truly lives up to her moniker as the Realm’s Pearl. Her beautiful pale hair was pulled into intricate Valyrian braids, her dress showing off her shoulders as it beautifully flowed down her body. Her maiden cloak proudly shows her Targaryen and Velayron heritage.

As Corlys walked his granddaughter up to the tree, his eyes glistened with tears. Once they reached Benjicot, Cregan cleared his throat.

“ Who comes before the Old Gods this night?”

Corlys puffed up, “Crown Princess Aemma, of the Houses Velayron and Targaryen, comes here to be wed. A woman has grown trueborn and noble. She comes to beg the blessing of the Gods.”

Cregan nodded as he turned to Benjicot, who glanced at him, gulping before nodding to continue.

“ Who comes to claim her?”

Benji inhaled as he stared at his princess and her grandsire, “Benjicot Blackwood, of House Blackwood, lord to Raventree Hall.

“Who gives her?” asked Cregan, looking at Colrys.

“Corlys Velaryon, of House Velaryon of Dritmark, her grandsire in place of her father, Laenor Velayron,” stated Corlys.

Rhaenys sniffed as she closed her eyes, remembering her sea dragon, as did everyone else.

Cregan smiled at the woman he considered his sister, “Aemma, do you take this man?”

Aemma smiled, looking in her beloved eyes as she answered, “I take this man.”

Aemma reached out to grasp Benji’s hand as Cregan asked the couple to kneel and hold for a few minutes in silent prayer. Aemma and Benji both kneeled in front of the hearttree. Aemma stared at the face, closed her eyes, and prayed to the old gods, asking them to bless her marriage. After a few minutes, the couple stood as Aly Blackwood stepped forward, holding the marriage cloak that would replace the current one Aemma was wearing. Benji removed Aemma’s maiden cloak before handing it to Corlys, who stepped forward. Then Benji took the cloak from his aunt, smiling in gratitude, as she unfolded the cloak and draped it on Aemma’s shoulder. The Targayens and Velaryons gasped at the marriage cloak. The cloak was House Blackwood red, with a Black three-headed dragon in the middle; around the dragon were ravens that looked like they were flying around it. Rhaenyra, feeling moved, looked at Alysanne, mouthing a thank you as Aly bowed to her queen. With that, Aemma and Benji shared a sweet kiss, sealing their union in the eyes of the Old gods.

As the families returned to the camps, Benjicot took hold of his bride and carried her bridal style through his tent. They would not consummate the marriage yet, waiting for the Valyrian ceremony later. Morning came faster than they thought, with Aemma changing her hairstyle to loose waves and wearing a tiara her grandsire brought from one of his expeditions.

Both Aemma and Benji were nervous. This ceremony was the biggest out of the three, with everyone in the camp joining to watch the union of the Dragon Princess and her Raven lord. Maester Gerardys was waiting in the clearing as he would officiate the ceremony in the eyes of the seven. Again, Benjicot was waiting for his bride, feeling more nervous than last night with all eyes staring at him; he hoped he would not mess up the vows.

Again, gasps were heard as Princess was led down the aisle, Prince Jacaerys walking his sister; both looked like dragon twins. As they reached Benjicot, Aemma kissed her brother’s cheek, whispering a thank you. Jacaerys kissed his sister back and clapped Benji on the back, nodding to him as he joined his family.

Maester Gerardys clears his throat as he begins the sermon.

“You may now cloak the bride and bring her under your protection.” Once again, this allows Benji to cloak Aemma with her marriage cloak.

Then Gerardys speaks to the crowd, “We stand here in the sight of gods and men to witness the union of man and wife: one flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever.”

The Maester then takes a cloth and binds the hands of the princess and lord as he says, “Let it be known that Crown Princess Aemma of Houses Velayron and Targaryen and Lord Benjicot of House Blackwood are one heart, one flesh, one soul. Cursed be he who would seek to tear them asunder. In the sight of the Seven, I hereby seal these two souls, binding them as one for eternity. Look upon one another and say the words.”

After he speaks the word, he motions for the couple to begin their vows. Turning to each other, Aemma and Benji talk simultaneously.

“Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger… “I am hers, and she is mine. From this day until the end of my days… “I am his, and he is mine. From this day until the end of my days.”

Both staring at each other, Benjicot ends with reciting, “With this kiss, I pledge my love,” taking the princess’s face into his hands and placing a kiss, causing the whole camp to cheer for their princess and her lord. Benji flushes as he bows his head while Aemma bites her lip, trying to hold her giggles.

As the camp makes way for the feast, the Valyrians walk towards a hill where all their dragons rest with fourteen flames in a circle. Rhaenys takes the center with Benjicot, and Daemon leads his daughter to the middle. Again, for the last time, Aemma is handed off to Benji; Aemma teary grins at Daemon and throws her arms around him.

“Thank you for stepping up and being my Kepa,” she whispers to her father,

Daemon huffs, trying to hold his own tears, and kisses Aemma’s brow. “I love you, my little sea dragon. Thank you for accepting me as your kepa.”

Aemma turns to her grandmother, who hands her a dagger; Aemma creates a cut on Benjicot’s lips, taking the blood and rubbing it on his forehead after Benjicot does the same to Aemma. Then Aemma and Benjicot each cut their hands, pressing them together, allowing their blood to mix, creating their blood bond; then Rhaenys hands the cup of wine to the couple. As the couple drinks from it, Rhaenys starts reciting the vows.

“Hen lantoni ānogar, Va syndroti vāedroma, Mēro perzot gīhoti, Elēdeoma iārza sīr, Izulī ampā perzī, Prūmī lanti sēteksi, Hen jeny māzīlarion, Qēlossa ozūndesi, Syndroro ōñō jēdo, mazvestraksi. (Blood of two, joined as one, Ghostly flame, and song of shadows, Two hearts as embers, Forged in fourteen flames. A future promised in glass, the stars stand witness. The vow is spoken through time, of darkness and light.”)

Benji felt an immense heat grow in his stomach as the candles around them grew taller, signifying that the Valyrian gods approved of this union. Aemma and Benjicot kissed more passionately, knowing that their blood had to mix, and Benji couldn’t help but feel a hunger erupt within him, tasting his wife’s blood in his mouth. Soon, the pair separated as the Valyrians each took hold of a few candles and placed them around the bed in the middle of the tent. Rhaenyra, gave a quick kiss to her daughter as she took her husband's hand, laughing as Jace practically dragged Baela as he ran away from the tent towards the feast.

Once the tent closed, Aemma, also feeling the heat, turned to her husband; grinning widely, she practically jumped him, kissing him with so much hunger that Benji led them towards the bed.

~~~~~~SMUT WARNING!!!! PLEASE SKIP IF NOT 18+ or NOT COMFORTABLE~~~~~~~

Benjicot couldn’t understand the heat building up in him as he began fonding Aemma, moving from her lips and kissing down her jaw and then neck, spending time sucking and biting where her pulse was. Aemma gasped at the feeling, spreading her legs, allowing him to rest more easily in between her legs.

Benji moved his mouth on top of her bosom, Aemma’s corset pushing them up for him to kiss. Aemma mewled, pulling at his hair and making Benji groan at the sensation. Sitting her up, he began to unlace her dress, pulling it off, exposing her body to him and the night chills; Aemma, in turn, took off her husband’s shirt as Benjicot kicked off his trousers, leaving him in his breeches.

Laying his wife down again, he took one of her perky breasts into his mouth, his hands slowly traveling in between her legs. Aemma gasped his name, running her hands through his hair.

“Ben…please… yes..” whispered Aemma, feeling his fingers slowly tease her soaking cunt.

Benjicot grins, enjoying the sweet sounds coming out of his wife’s mouth before moving his fingers away, which makes Aemma whine.

“Please, what, my love? I can’t give until you ask.” taunted Benjicot as he traced her thighs.

Aemma playfully glared at him, “Touch me, Ben; I want your fingers inside of mhm.”

She couldn’t finish as Benji slammed his mouth to hers, slowly easing one finger in her and pulling it out, adding another, and pushing in and out until he felt he could add a third. Aemma was withering underneath him. The feeling of his fingers going in and out of her was overwhelming. She gave a loud moan once she felt him use his other hand to rub her clit. Benji grunted, his own hard cock twitching with everything delicious sound coming out of the princess's mouth. Aemma felt a growing sensation in her stomach, nearing her climax before Benji stopped.

“No, Please,” gasped the princess, watching as Benjicot removed his fingers and placed them in his mouth, sucking on them.

Then Benji kissed her, letting the princess taste herself, and he rubbed his clothed bulge on her soaking cunt. Aemma whined again, closing her eyes as she grabbed onto his shoulder.

“ Tell me what you want, my princess, for I am just your lowly servant meant to serve you,” whispered Benji as he placed his forehead.

Aemma shuddered as she forced her eyes open, staring into her husband’s eyes.

“Take Ben, Take me, let the whole camp know I am yours,” commanded Aemma.

Benjicot growled as he ripped off his breeches, releasing his weeping cock, and rubbing it on her entrance.

Aemma nodded and sharply inhaled, feeling him enter her; he was large and thick. It was painful and pleasurable at the same time. Benji waited for a moment, allowing her to get used to him. Closing his eyes, he nearly finished her; she was warm and tight. Afterward, Aemma permitted him to start moving, groaning, and feeling him move steadily. Benji also groans, her walls clenching him with every thrust.

“Faster…” commanded Aemma, to which Benji was more than happy to comply; moving faster and harder, he grabbed one of her breasts, fonding it as Aemma began meeting him with each thrust. Soon, both felt warmth growing in their bodies and the room as they chased their release.

Benji groaned, picking up one of Aemma’s legs and placing it on his shoulder, going more profoundly inside of her, making Aemma moan loudly. Aemma began whispering yes as she dragged her nails down his back, giving him painful pleasure; feeling his release, he lowered her legs and kissed her as his thrust started moving choppily.

“Yes, Ben, please, please, finish inside me…. Give me your babe. I need your babe.” Pleading Aemma as her climax washed over her.

Benjicot soon followed after, shooting his spend inside her walls, moaning out her name, picturing her heavy with his babe. During their Climax, the fourteen Flames rose exceedingly before extinguishing, leaving the couple gasping in the dark.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Welcome back~~~~~~

Aemma held her husband close to her, feeling incredibly warm. All she wanted to do was sleep, but she knew they had to make some appearance in the feast. As she moved his sweaty hair from his forehead, she kissed him before trying to get up. Benji whined, not wanting to move, huffing as Aemma explained that they needed to be at the feast. Sitting up, he gave his wife a quick kiss before dressing.

Once the couple finished dressing, they walked hand in hand to the feast; once the Blackwood knights saw their lord and princess, they began whistling, causing Aemma to blush.

The royal family smiled at the couple, with Corlys, Daemon, and Jacaerys not making eye contact, to the amusement of the women. Aly Blackwood embraced the couple, and Aemma joked as if she should call her lady aunt now. Rolling her eyes, she explained that Aly was just fine.

Everyone was enjoying the feast, making toasts and jokes around the camps. Unbeknownst to them in the dark distance was a knight wearing green with a golden dragon, staring at the celebration before galloping away, never being noticed.

The festivities went well into the early morning before anyone went to bed. Aemma decided to sleep in her husband's tent, feeling whole. In what seemed only minutes, Jace awoke Aemma harshly, staring at her worriedly.

“Jace, what’s wrong?” asked Aemma as she sat up, noticing Benjicot still sleeping beside her.

“Get dressed, wake Ben, and come to our mother’s tent quickly!” he stated, rushing out of the tent.

Aemma’s heart was beating fast with worry. She woke Benji, quickly explaining while dressing in a red tunic and riding pants. Benjicot also followed as the two ran to the Queen’s tent. Rhaenyra let out a breath, seeing the couple enter.

“Muna, what’s wrong? Did something happen?” asked Aemma, looking around the room and seeing grim faces.

Rhaenyra turned to her daughter. “A letter came in this morning. Lord Darklyn is dead, Duskendale has fallen, and Lord Staunton has asked us to help him. The greens are moving,” the queen explained to her daughter and good-son, seeing both pale. Let the Game of Thrones begin.

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the20thangel · 2 months

Text

The Dragon and Raven

Chapter 7 (The Battle of Rook's Rest)

Chapter Summary: The Greens have made their move; it's time for the Blacks to defend. Aemma and Benjicot will lead their men in supporting Princess Rhaenys.

Note: There will be spoilers if you have yet to read the books or see ep 4.

Tags: Fluff with angst

Word Count: 2766 words

Keep track of the story: Masterlist

A war council was immediately called, and Aemma was frustrated. She barely had enough time to enjoy her night with her husband before the greens had to ruin it. As she waited for the council to start, Benji’s hand caressed her inner thigh, trying to relax her and ground himself. Rhaenyra walks into the room, prompting everyone to rise and bow to her before sitting back down in their seats. Rhaenyra sits at the top of the table as she signals for Jacaerys to start the meeting.

Jace clears his throat, “We apologize for the early morning, but we received a letter from Lord Staunton, stating that the greens, specifically Criston Cole, have murdered Lord Darlyn and taken hold of his castle in Aegon’s name. He has pleaded for help to free him from their clutches, promising to join us in the fight for the Iron Throne should we succeed.”

Everyone looked at each other tensely as the letter’s contents were read to the room. Aemma felt that something was not quite right. Why would the greens ransack Duskendale? She assumed they would have tried to avenge little Jaehaerys instead. Poor Jaehaerys, the little boy, was more Heleana than Aegon, another innocent lost to this war because of Queen Alicent’s delusions, thought Aemma as she closed her eyes. Benji, seeing his wife’s distress, squeezed her thighs, trying to ground her, receiving a slight grin.

Aemma took a small breath and asked what the council was thinking, “Are we going to answer the call? This sounds like a trap…”

Rhaenyra nodded. “Indeed, but trap or no trap, we need to show the people that we will support them in their struggles and not sweep away or ignore them. I will not start my reign ignoring my people like my father…. I loved my father, but he tended to ignore his oath as a protector of the realm.”

The only one who outwardly agreed with the Queen’s statement was Daemon, who was always the one with first experience in those situations.

“Who will be sent out to liberate Lord Staunton and his people?” asked Cregan, turning to the council, asking them more than the queen.

Rhaenys raised her head proudly, “I will go in the queen’s name to liberate them; Meleys is one of the fastest and largest dragons we have.”

As Rhaenyra fully agreed, four others did not agree Jacaerys, Aemma, Balea, and Corlys. They could not deny the Red Queen’s power, but they thought it was too risky to send just one dragon.

“ Mother, I think we need to send more than one dragon… I do not doubt Meley’s power… but if Vhagar is there…having two or three dragons against one… it can ensure we finally get Aemond and avenge Luke.” Explained Aemma, knowing how to play her mother; if she saw it as the plan to get Aemond, she would be more easily influenced to allow other dragons to go and support her grandmother.

“Yes, but sending three dragons would prove too risky, princess. Should the green knights harm a dragon, it will cause the possibility of losing more allies and dragons.” countered the knight representing the Vale.

Aemma huffed; these knights have never seen dragons up close or the power of them. She understood their worries, but if they lost Meleys and Rhaenys, they would lose a significant advantage on the greens.

“Then we don’t send the dragons alone. Allow me and my men to be the ground support for the dragons,” replied Benjioct, staring at the knight, tempting him to counter back.

The Knight wisely bowed his head and returned his attention to the queen, who was trying not to smile at her good-son.

Daemon agreed, “Then, with the Blackwood knights, we need to send another giant dragon and one of our juveniles; I wil-”

“ Doar, Kepa , I will accompany my grandmother and husband. Sliverwing, is larger than Caraxes and can take on Vhagar if need be.” Countered Aemma, holding Benji's hand and quickly squeezing it.

As much as both Rhaenyra and Daemon wanted to argue, they could not; Aemma made valid arguments on why Sliverwing should go and not Caraxes. Rhaenyra nodded as she turned to Baela and Jace, the only ones with Juveniles.

Baela, noticing, quickly answered, “I will go with my cousin to protect our grandmother-”

“No!” exclaimed Daemon, “I will not send out two of my three daughters!”

Rhaenyra tried to comfort her husband, knowing that Daemon loved all three of his daughters fiercely.

Aemma rose, “We are your daughters; you taught us the Creed of Prince Baelon. You taught us how to sword fight. We are the blood of the dragon and are ready to defend our family from those trying to cause harm; you cannot stop Baela or me.”

Baela looked at her step-sister with gratitude. Aemma always had a calm fire compared to her raging fire. Aemma had enough of Daemon, Leanor, and Rhaenyra. While Baela had more of her father.

Daemon and Aemma stared at each other, neither wanting to back down. Benjicot could only move his gaze to his wife, then to the prince, and back to Aemma. He was often pleasantly surprised with how much fire his wife burned. Benji then glanced at the queen, who made eye contact with him. Rhaenyra, noticing Benjicot, could only grin, sighing as she shook her head fondly. She knew who would break first. Then, after another beat, the council saw Daemon grumble before sitting down and taking a gulp from his wine. Aemma gave a victorious smile that many people stated looked like her mother’s as she backed down and turned to her husband, who could only smile loving back at her.

Rhaenyra cleared her throat, attracting the attention back to her. “Then it's been decided: Princess Rhaenys, Princess Aemma, and Lady Baela will all go to Rooks Rest, with Lord Blackwood’s men following on the ground. My ladies and lord, I wish you a safe journey and swift victory for us. May you come back safe.”

The four stood, bowed to their queen, and then walked out to prepare for the journey and potential battle. Aemma noticed her husband walking with her to her dragon; she raised an eyebrow in confusion. She wasn’t complaining about spending time with him but assumed he would have gone to his men. Benjicot noticed his princess’s confusion and grinned but didn’t answer. As Aemma came to her dragon, she noticed that her dragon looked different. Aemma greeted Sliverwing with a rub under her chin, causing the dragon to purr in delight.

Walking towards the back, she noticed the difference. Her saddle had been replaced with a new one. It was still black and red but had little ravens etched in the sides. Her saddle was also wider than before. Aemma gasped at the beauty and turned to her husband, who let Sliverwing sniff his hand.

“Was this your doing, Ben?” questioned Aemma.

Benji smiled at her, a dazzling smile that made Aemma’s heart flutter. He walked towards her, placing his arms around her waist and pulling her closer.

“Yes, it is my wedding gift to you. I hope you like it...” Benji said as he stared into his wife's violet eyes, seeking approval.

“I love it, and it's wider… possible to allow the said lord to accompany me more on flights,” answered Aemma, staring lovingly at her raven.

Benjicot smirked before leaning closer towards her, the lips barely touching as he replied, “That was the plan, my wife…”

Aemma hmmed as she closed the gap between them, passionately kissing her husband. Benjicot answered by playfully biting her lip, asking permission to enter her mouth. Aemma allowed her husband as their tongues danced with each other, placing her arms around his neck. Both felt the fire in their bellies grow again, Benjicot growling as he continued to devour his wife in kisses. Aemma was about to unbutton his shirt when they heard a sharp cough. Aemma and Benjicot jumped and turned; to their horror, Princess Rhaenys was staring at them with a brow raised. Quickly, the couple separated from each other.

Rhaenys chuckled, “Lord Blackwood, I would assume you would be with your men preparing to depart for Rooks Rest, no?”

Benjicot gulped as he nodded. Glancing at his wife, he gave a wistful smile before turning and rushing back to camp. Aemma sighed, watching Benji leave in a hurry before smiling bashfully at her grandmother, who turned and came to her and caressed her face.

“I’m glad you and your lord husband are growing to love each other, but I need to remind you duty must sometimes come first, sweet girl. Do not get distracted, especially when going to battle.”

Aemma nodded, understanding her grandmother, as she turned to her dragon, ensuring Sliverwing was prepared. Baela later came with Moondancer, and her lips also looked slightly swollen. Aemma gave her a knowing smirk as Baela's eyes widened before turning away. Rhaenys stared at her granddaughter before chuckling again.

“Go say your goodbyes. We will be departing soon.”

Aemma turned and returned to camp, looking for her husband, bumping into Aly. As she hugged Alysanne, she asked if she had seen Benjicot, who pointed out that he had turned to his tent after preparing the men. Nodding in thanks, she walked to the tent. Entering, Aemma noticed many gifts laid out in front of the bed. Benjicot was clamping on his red cape with the Blackwood clamp, seeing his wife.

“They brought in the gifts from last night; I haven’t looked at them. I wanted to wait until you came.”

Aemma nodded before going towards him, ignoring the gifts. She straightened out his cape before taking his hand and kissing it tenderly.

“You will be careful. Don’t do anything rash, and come back to me.” She whispered, staring at her husband's eyes, who softened and stared back.

“As long as you keep your promise as well. If Vhagar is there and it seems too dangerous, let Sliverwing roar as a signal to fall back and turn to camp,” Benjicot replied as he placed his forehead to hers.

For a moment, a dragon princess and her raven lord stood there. Taking solace in their company before, Benjioct gave her one more kiss and walked out to his men. As Aemma followed, she saw him get on his horse, his aunt next to him, before he waved at her and commanded his men to start riding.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aemma and Baela were flying around Rook’s Rest, High enough to be safely covered by the clouds as they waited for their Grandmother and the Blackwood army to arrive. They did not need to wait long once, hearing Meleys roar and seeing the Red Queen dragon burn a lot of machines from the green’s side. Aemma squinted and noticed in anger they were scorpions. Those nasty worms wanted to use scorpions on their dragons. Aemma had to breathe; she knew the plan and would only fly down if Vhagar appeared. She saw red and black men meet green, and Aemma wondered how Benjicot was doing. Before she could wonder more, in the distance were two dragon roars, one smaller than the other. In shock, Aemma and Baela turned to see Sunfyre and Vhagar flying towards Meleys.

Aemma turned to Baela, “Let me go first. I will catch them from behind. After a moment, join us, but stay away from Vaghar. Keep your attention on Sunfyre.”

Baela nodded as she watched Aemma fly away, passing Sunfyre and Vhagar before turning around and down. As Aemma came behind the two dragons, Aemma and Rhaenys shouted Dracarys. Fire came from both sides, causing the Green brothers to swerve, trying to avoid the flames. Aemond turned to Aemma angrily as the dragon princess smirked tauntly, the same one that reminded him of Lucerys. Aemond turned Vhagar to Aemma and commanded the giant dragon to attack. Sliverwing, swifter and younger, turned away. Aegon stared at Aemma. She was here, fighting against him, but she was here nevertheless. She was so beautiful and fearless in fighting his brother. He knew his duty was to fight her, but he couldn’t as Meleys and Sliverwing continued to fight Vhagar. Aegon heard another flap close, turning he saw Baela speeding toward him. Aegon turned and shouted Dracarys, grunting as Moondancer easily dodged the flames.

As the Dragons danced and screeched a head, Benjicot and Alysanne led the assault on the ground, killing as many green knights as possible. With their arrows and swords, both Blackwoods led a bloody mess. Benjicot grinned wildly, eyes rabid, noticing Ser Gwayne Hightower and Ser Cole becoming more upset with their armies. Benjicot commanded his aunt to send another wave of arrows as he rode forward, trying to reach the two knights. Then, Screams were heard from the sky, making everyone pause and stare in horror.

Baela, at one point, flew too close to Vhagar and retreated to get away, causing Vhagar and Sunfyre to get to Meleys and rib the wings from the she-dragon. Rhaenys slipped from her saddle, and Aemma and Baela screamed in horror and anguish. Baela commanded Moondancer to fly fast, trying to reach her grandmother. Aemma made Sliverwing send fire to Vhagar, causing Aemond to turn. Moondancer scratched Sunfyre’s side when the dragon passed, causing Aegon to lose his balance and nearly slip off. Aemma, in anger, commanded Sliverwing to attack Sunfyre. When Sliverwing clamped her jaw on the yellow dragon, Aegon’s leg was close to Sunfyre’s side. Aegon let out a heart wretched yell as he and Sunfyre crashed to the ground. Aegon's last sight before blackening out was seeing Aemma's eyes filled with Hatred, and he thought, was that hatred for him? Baela yelled faster, and at the last second, she could catch Rhaenys, her grandmother’s body, crashing into Moondancer’s saddle unconsciously. Aemma breathed in relief before noticing Vhagar coming back.

“Baela, take grandmother back; let a maester or healer look at her. We need to fall back. Go!” Aemma ordered.

Baela nodded as she flew away, tears streaming down seeing Meleys’s body in flames.

Benjicot raised his head as everyone in shock stared at where the two dragons had fallen. Cole rode off to get to Aegon. As Sliverwing screeched, Benji knew that was the signal.

“Fall Back, we need to fall Back! Return to camp!” Shouted Benjicot, upset at the retreat but remembering his promise to his wife. He turned him and his aunt and led their troops back to Harenhall. It was a defeat for the Blacks but a small victory as well.

~~~~~~~~~~

Aemma reported the events to her mother. Everyone was upset at Meleys death but happy that at least Rhaenys had survived. Aemma tiredly walked back to the tent, seeing Benjicot in the tent taking off his cloak. Aemma sighed as she hugged her husband from behind.

“How is your grandmother,” asked Benji, turning to Aemma, who smiled weakly.

“She is unconscious but is expected to have a speedy recovery,” Aemma commented, leaning her head to his chest and breathing in his scent, a woody scent mixed with blood from his clothes.

“Come join me in a bath; I think we both need it,” asked Ben as he walked to the washing room, Aemma eagerly following him.

Once bathed, Aemma, only wearing a silk and robe, began looking at the gifts they had; she noticed a small green box with a card attached to it, as she began to open the letter. When one of her mother’s ladies came in. Aemma walked towards her, with Benjicot coming to stand where she was, looking at the letter; as he listened to the news of Rhaenys waking up, he could not feel joy for his wife; he felt cold, staring at the letter before him.

Aemma was overjoyed that her grandmother had awoken and told the lady that she would visit her in the morning, wanting to let her rest. She turned to Benji, smiling, but quickly lost it when she saw her husband's hardened eyes staring at the gift she had been looking at earlier.

“Ben…. what’s wrong?” asked Aemma worriedly, flinching as his angered eyes turned to her.

Benjicot closed his eyes and breathed. He did not mean to make her flinch.

“Benji…” whispered Aemma.

He opened his eyes, “What does he mean by ‘You know my heart is yours as yours is mine?” Benjicot asked, his eyes turning to hurt.

Aemma stared at her husband and then to wretched gift, for she knew who sent it…. Aegon.

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the20thangel · 2 months

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The Dragon and The Raven Chapter 9 (Seasmoke)

Chapter Summary: Aemma discovers her mother is letting Dragonseeds start claiming dragons. She and Benjicot fly to Dragonstone. If someone is going to claim her father's dragon, she should try to see the person she thinks is worthy of Seasmoke. As they go to witness the people, Seasmoke decides to surprise them all.

Taglist: @callsignwidow @whimsicalmystic02 @mercedesdecorazon @rhaenyrathecruelwithteats

Tags: NSFW words, mentions of potential miscarriage.

Keep track of the story: masterlist

Aemma and Benji’s relationship slowly started to heal after their fight. Aemma always took the time to assure her husband of how attractive and loving he was towards her. Of course, Benjicot also took the initiative to reciprocate those actions. He missed her so much from their time separate. Every day, he would wake her with a kiss on her brow before getting ready for the day. Per the healer's orders, he would allow the princess to sleep in to ensure the princess would get enough rest to help their babe.

Aemma was finally introduced to Kermit and Oscar Tully. The Tully brothers were awed by meeting the princess; words that described her beauty were unmatched by the real picture. As they expressed loyalty to her mother, Aemma noticed how the two young men tried but kept failing to ogle her. Benji also saw this, sending a glare to his friends, causing the boys to flush, stammer, apologize, and quickly leave. No one wanted to be the cause of Benjicot’s ire.

“They are your friends, Ben,” whispered Aemma as she tried to console her husband.

“Which is worse because they know I do not like it,” stated Benjicot, growing to hate how easily it was for him to get jealous. He knew his wife was gorgeous, and men would always stare, but that never meant he had to like it.

Aemma sighed, knowing his feelings were valid, “Yes, in your defense, they probably should know better, but in their defense, they have no chance. Why would I want the attention of some other man when I have yours? Why should I care for another person’s attention when you provide all the attention I want? I carry your babe, not theirs, and you are the only one who makes my body and soul burn for you.”

Feeling devious, she walked closer to her husband, pressing her body to him and whispering to his ear, “You are the only man who can make my thighs ache and wet for your cock. You are the only man who can satisfy a dragon, making her scream and shout your name. This whole camp knows my body belongs to you. Even now, my body wishes you would take me..”

Aemma gasped as Benji's hungry kiss cut her off. As he raised her in his arms, he walked back into their tent, wishing to show the princess how much her pretty words had affected him. Aemma giggled and sighed, feeling his kisses on her neck; oh, how much she missed this.

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As Benjicot left a satisfied princess sleeping, he walked towards the training ground, where he found Cregan Stark and his Aunt dueling. Benjicot could not help but notice how much time the two were spending together, wondering if he soon would have to speak with Lord Stark about doweries, knowing that he was technically in charge of any potential marriage regarding his aunt. As the pair noticed the young lord, they stopped and walked towards him. Aly asked for Aemma, to which Benjicot said the princess was sleeping. Aly nodded, stating that she would bathe before checking on her. Aly became very overprotective of the princess since their fight.

As both men watched Aly Blackwood leave, Cregan glanced at Benjicot.

“How is Aemma truly?” pondered Cregan as he began to polish his sword, not once removing his eyes from Benjicot.

“She is getting better; her illness is finally relieved from her. Thank the gods,” stated Benji, feeling slightly nervous after seeing the piercing gaze the Wolf Lord gave to the lord of Raventree Hall.

Cregan nodded, “That’s good; she was looking a little frail, which worried me…” Cregan notices the slight frown on Benjicot’s face.

He sighed. Hearing from Aly that Benjicot tended to be easily jealous, he needed to clarify before the lad thought anything.

“I love Aemma as a sister. Jace and she endeared themselves to me when they went to the north, and they often reminded me of my own siblings. Seeing someone so fierce and happy as Aemma to be knocked down over a sudden illness just worried me. She barely had enough time to mourn Prince Lucerys, who I know was close to Aemma; I felt everything was going too fast. Nevertheless, I vouched for you when Jace was adamant not to accept you, so I was worried the “illness” was just an excuse and you two were having troubles.” explained Cregan Stark, trying to see any cracks in Benjicot’s face, but the young lord had a good poker face.

In reality, on the inside, Benji wanted to scream, his guilt returning to him with the troubles he and Aemma were going through. Benjicot pondered if he should tell Stark what happened or not. After a while, he decided to give some information, knowing the Stark lord would appreciate it.

“In truth, we just found out that Aemma is expecting, but many of the foods have so far not sat well with her, so she was feeling frail, which caused more worry once the healer stated that Aemma was at risk of losing the babe. She felt she was failing at her duty, which I had to assure her she was not. Another babe can come if the gods wish to bless us, but the gods can’t give us another Aemma Velayron.” explained Benjioct, staring up at the sky and seeing two dragons dancing in the air, Caraxes and Sliverwing.

Cregan exhaled as he stood clasping Benji’s arms and clapping him on the back, “Congratulations, but truly, are she and the babe doing better?”

Benjicot slightly smiled, “Yes, with each day, both are getting stronger, but the healer has asked us not to share anything until her fourth moon, just to be sure. So Please, only you and my aunt know outside of Aemma and me; please don’t share the news until we feel ready.” asked Benjicot, feeling more at ease.

Cregan nodded, overjoyed that this surrogate sister was having a baby. After dealing with their house losses, Houses Targaryen and Blackwood were receiving a new life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As Aly reached the tent, she was met by a few handmaidens running through it, preparing the princess for the rest of the day. Noticing one holding a letter, Aly went to her, asking if she wanted to give it to the princess, as the maiden nodded and left. Aemma saw Aly and grinned at her, finding how much they enjoyed each other’s company.

“May I ask the princess what tired her out in the middle of the day to warrant a nap? Hmm?” teased Alysanne, grinning more as she saw Aemma blush and turned away.

“All I will say is your nephew, and that should be enough,” Aemma said as her handmaiden giggled, finishing putting the princess together.

Alyssane rolled her eyes but was secretly glad to hear that Ben and Aemma were coming back together like before the whole Aegon debacle.

While waiting for the last Handmaiden to leave, Aly went to Aemma, looking at the girl leave and placing a hand on the princess’s ever-growing stomach. “How are you both dwelling today?” she whispered.

Aemma smiled, placing her hand on Aly, “We are doing well. I don’t get as sick anymore, but I crave lemon cakes. But I don’t want to make it too obvious by asking for them. Those were the tall-tale signs in my mother’s pregnancies.” stated Aemma, flushing in embarrassment as Alyssane laughed.

“Just let me know; Ben and I will sneak all the lemon cakes our princess commands us to take.”

Aemma laughed, hitting Aly on her shoulder playfully. She was glad to make a friend. Moving to Raventree Hall after the war would be easier.

Before Aly forgot, she handed Aemma the letter she held in her other hand. Aemma opened the letter, reading that her father wished for her and Benji to speak with him. Frowning, she asked Aly if she could do the favor and asked Benji to meet her at the hall in Harrenhal. Aly worried and asked if everything was fine, but Aemma shrugged, not knowing what her father wanted.

As Aemma and Benjicot entered, they saw her father sitting at the table, drinking wine and looking at papers before him. Looking up, he saw his daughter and good-son walking hand in hand, better than a few weeks ago when they would barely touch each other.

“Good afternoon, Kepa . Has something happened? Is mother well?” Aemma questioned her father.

“Good afternoon, My Sea Dragon, has your ailment finally felt you …hmm?” raised a brow the Rouge Prince, seeing both freeze for a second before relaxing.

“Yes, it was just the food that wasn’t sitting with me quite right, and with the worries of grandmother, I fear it was all too much too quickly,” smoothly lied Aemma. Her father had no right to judge the events that transpired in her marriage, not when he had his own problems with her mother.

“You did not answer my second question. Is everything alright in Dragonstone?” pondered Aemma.

“I received two letters from Dragonstone. Your mother has found a few Dragonseeds willing to claim any unmounted dragons on Dragomount… She only wanted to notify us to keep it looped, but… Your brother Jacaerys sent one as well. He is urging you to come to Dragonstone.” Explained Daemon, seeing Aemma’s face scrunched with confusion.

“Why does Jace want me back home… I’m sure he could handle the situation regarding the dragon seeds. What could worry him about them and the drag-” Then Aemma paled as she quietly gasped.

Hearing his wife, Benji quickly turned and steadied her, growing worried, looking back at Daemon.

Daemon turned to Benji and nodded at the boy, a silent thank you for being there for her.

“That is why I am asking about your ailment… do you think you are strong enough to ride with your husband to Dragonstone? Jace is asking for you to come, per the chance one of them tries to claim Seasmoke, Leanor’s dragon, that you be there…” explained Daemon, seeing tears pool into Aemma’s eyes. Leanor's disappearance left a hole in Aemma, and knowing someone might take her father’s mount made it seem fair for Aemma to say goodbye to the dragon should it happen.

Aemma nodded as she left to prepare Sliverwing for the journey. As Benjicot was following when Daemon called out to him.

“You are going to see another side to my daughter in Dragonstone; Aemma was always known as the kind princess like her grandmother, Queen Aemma, but as I said, dragons are overprotective of things they love. She will be very hostile to any of the people who will try to claim Seasmoke… try to stop her from setting one of them on fire,” stated Daemon as he quietly laughed at his joke.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As Aemma and Benjicot arrived, Rhaenyra was shocked to see her daughter’s new appearance. She looked drastically different from when she last saw her; she was practically glowing. She narrowed her eyes… could she… turning to Rhaenys, who glanced and nodded.

“My pearl, seeing you and your husband away from Harrenhal is a surprise. Is there anything I need to know?” asked Rhaenyra, smiling at her daughter but then frowning at her daughter's hardened look.

“If you are going to give out dragons so easily, then I think your second eldest should be here to see what kind of people are willing to risk themselves getting killed for a dragon,” stated Aemma as she stared down the people near her mother, all who quickly turned away from the princess’s gaze.

Aemma's eyes narrowed, and she saw two young men with dark skin, white hair, and brown eyes. She then turned to her grandparents, who would not see her eyes. Benjicot looked at his wife with a smile; Daemon’s statement seemed correct. Rhaenyra sighed as she quickly glared at Jacaerys, looking too smug to see his sister here. Of course, her two eldest children would always team up against their parents when they didn’t get their way.

“Aemma, my sweet, we need allies, and we have many dragons who are unclaimed; you did not need to come all the way here-”

“I do when you are planning to give away my father’s dragon! ” quickly replied Aemma, her eyes ignited with fury. Bennji tried to calm her, pressing her back to him and whispering sweet words. Aemma closed her eyes and sighed, letting her husband comfort her. Rhaenyra sent a grateful smile to her good-son, relieved to see them so close again.

“ I think that Jace and I deserve to see who might claim him… please Mother, grant me this..” pleaded Aemma.

Rhaenyra nodded, “Alright, we were planning to go in an hour, but if you feel tired..”

“No, just let my husband and I place our things in my room, and we will meet you in Dragonmount. Jace, help me,” commanded Aemma as she left the room, Benjicot and Jace following her.

As everyone watched the dragon princess leave, they stared in awe; there they saw was the actual presence of a dragon.

As the large party arrived in Dragonmount, many dragons seemed to know what would transpire, each leaving their caves, flying in the air, and landing. Almost like they were exhibiting their finest qualities, waiting for someone to try and claim them. A few tried and were chased away, or some tragically passed to claim a dragon. As everything was happening, Aemma stared at Seasmoke, her father’s dragon, who was restless and crying. Aemma’s heart ached. She, too, missed Leanor as much as Seasmoke did, wishing there was a world where Aemma could have had both Leanor and Daemon co-existing and being her fathers. She was selfish, yes, she knew, but she was only human. Benjicot turned his gaze to where his wife was staring, taking a break from the intense setting of people dying and getting maimed in trying to claim a dragon. He was not afraid or disgusted but instead getting bored.

“Was that your father’s dragon?” asked Benji, noting his wife nodding.

“Yes, He and I would take Seasmoke and Sliverwing out together. People called us the fog of Dragonstone because of how much we flew together,” explained Aemma as she reminisced about her father.

Aemma smiled, seeing Seasmoke land nearby, chirping and recognizing the princess. Her excellent mood, although quickly soured when she saw Addam of Hull come… she could care less if he was her grandsire’s bastard; she only cared that he seemed to think of himself worthy of her father’s dragon. Turning sharply at her grandmother, Rhaenys only grimaced and nodded to Aemma, letting her know she was allowing it to happen, making Aemma's nose flared in anger. Benji noticed and pressed her tighter body to him.

“Calm, sweet girl, don’t stress yourself; it's not good for you and the babe,” whispered Benji as he stared at Addam, trying to pet Seasmoke.

Seasmoke stared at the young lad, sniffing his scent before the dragon roared angrily, nearly biting the man’s hand off. Addam fell to the ground as everyone gasped in shock. Seasmoke became angrier with the presence near him. Aemma, gasping, not thinking clearly, ran off, trying to calm the dragon. She knew running to a dragon that was not hers was foolish. Rhaenyra gasped, shouting for Aemma to step back. Hearing the shouts from the queen, Benji ran to his wife, capturing her arm as he roughly pulled her back to him; he was not risking losing her. Seasmoke ran towards them and screamed at their faces, causing the two to flinch and close their eyes. Sliverwing, hearing the commotion, landed behind her rider, screeching back at the younger dragon to back off. Everyone was tense, not wanting for the two dragons to fight. They became more nervous when they heard Vermithor growling, not liking his mate so near a male dragon. After a long beat, Seasmoke lowered his head in submission, recognizing Sliverwing and her rider before gazing at Aemma. Aemma stares back at him before shakily raising her hand to him.

“ Lyikri , Seasmoke, do you remember me?” whispered Aemma as she soothed the male dragon.

Seasmoke moved his head to the side, staring at the princess, almost looking like he did remember her. Moving slowly closer, he began to sniff her, and then Benjicot, a scent near them, was calling to him. Then he moved lower towards her stomach; he sniffed her stomach. This made Aemma gasp as she and Benji touched her stomach. Seasmoke then started chirping, nuzzling her stomach, laying in front of her, and continuing to chirp and nuzzle. Everyone who was not Aemma looked at the grey dragon in confusion before Rhaenyra and Rhaenys gasped, both remembering how Syrax and Meleys reacted to their own pregnancies in the past. Rhaenys allowed her tears to flow; it seemed Leanor wanted his future grandchild to have his dragon.

Rhaenyra smiled, turning to the confused audience, “Seasmoke is no longer available to be claimed.”

Alynn, confused, turned to the dragon queen and asked, “But I thought one rider was not allowed to have more than one dragon?”

Addam nodded in agreement, feeling that he was being robbed of a chance to prove himself to Colrys Velayron.

Rhaenyra smiled, “That’s true. Never has a rider claimed two dragons from what we know, and Aemma is not different, for it wasn’t Princess Aemma who claimed Seassmoke… but the babe in her stomach.’ she explained, tears falling as she stared at her daughter.

Everyone turned to the princess and her lord husband, trying to see a bump. Corlys could see a slight bump as he grew overjoyed; he was to be a great-grandsire!

Aemma and Benjicot froze; they weren’t planning on telling anyone yet… but it seemed the gods were not letting them have control over that. Seasmoke was letting them know he had claimed their child. Benji stared at the dragon and then caressed his wife’s slight swelling. His child seemed to be a future dragon rider, a first for House Blackwood.

#benjicot blackwood #benjicot blackwood/oc #fanfic #hotd #hotd fanfic #benjicot x reader #seasmoke #Princess Aemma Velayron (oc)#Thedragonandtheraven #bloody ben #ao3 fanfic

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the20thangel · 3 months

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The Dragon and The Raven

Chapter 5: The Dragon Princess and Her Raven Lord.

Chapter Summary: Jacaerys did not believe that the Lord of House Blackwood was the best for his beloved sister. It is too bad that Aemma has fallen deeply for the Lord of Raventree Hall, and nothing will stop her from getting her way.

Please let me know your thoughts :)

Keep track of the story: masterlist

Word count: 3215

Jacaerys looked at the lord, to whom his sister insisted on being betrothed. Lord Blackwood looked like he had just come out of a duel. Sweat dripped down his face, his hair was messy, and his clothes were wrinkled and muddy. Benjicot knew that even though he had Prince Daemon’s blessing, getting Prince Jacaerys' approval was just as important.

Benjicot bowed and addressed the prince, “Prince Jacaerys, let me be the one to welcome you to the Riverlands and Harrenhall.”

As Lord Blackwood made his statement, all the men from House Blackwood followed their lord in bowing, leading the North and the Vale men to bow as well. Grinding his teeth, Jace couldn’t help but admit that the lord was respectful and was a natural leader. Not wanting to seem rude but also not wanting to give the impression of approval, Jace merely nodded his head. When this happened, Princess Aemma was frowning; she did not need a Daemon 2.0 to try to intimate her betrothed. Aemma turned to Baela, who winked while shaking her head. Ugh, Men, they both thought. Thankfully, before another awkward moment passed, Daemon cleared his throat.

“Jace, Baela, come, first unpack your things at the tents before we start making any…foolish decisions.” Commanded Daemon as Jace frowned at his stepfather, but he knew better than to argue with the Rouge Prince and followed him to the tents where they would be staying.

As people began to leave, Aemma walked to Benji, smiling at him. She took his arm and kissed his cheek. Benji returned the smile as he led them towards his tent.

“Your brother doesn’t seem to like me…” stated Benji, as they entered his tent, leading the princess towards the bed.

“Jacaerys is a dragon, and dragons are very overprotective with what they love, but he will come around, I'm sure of it,” stated Aemma as she unraveled her braids.

Benji hummed as he decided to sit next to her and help the princess undo her braids. Aemma couldn't help but close her eyes. His fingers were like magic, easing the tension she had. Before she could stop herself, a slight moan slipped from her lips as she whispered.

“ You truly have a talent with your fingers…” Aemma stiffened, as did Benji once those words were spoken. The phrases had two meanings, and Aemma didn’t want him or anybody who might have heard them to misinterpret them.

Benji huffed with laughter as he finished undoing her braids and kissing the top of her head. Which in turn made Aemma huff and turned to glare at him.

“It is not funny, Ben!” she exclaimed as she lightly slapped his chest.

Benji laughed even louder as he pulled the princess to his chest and brought them down on his bed.

“Oh, I thought it was hilarious, my dear Aemma.”

Aemma leaned on his chest, staring at his eyes as she playfully glared at him. Benji looked down and could not help but feel warm inside. He never thought his life would be played out like this, being betrothed and falling desperately fast in love with a dragonriding princess. Aemma sighed and placed her head on his chest, drawing small circles on his chest, the two peacefully enjoying their silent company. Soon, all the events that had happened the last few days finally caught up with them as they lulled themselves to sleep with the sound of breathing.

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Once Jace set himself up with his tent, he quickly checked on Baela, who told him she wanted to take a quick bath because she reeked of a dragon. Then he went to his sister’s tent only to find it empty. Before he continued his way to look for her, he was summoned by Daemon. Walking into the tent, Jace saw his stepfather sitting behind a desk, reading some letters with a cup of wine. Daemon looked at the restless boy, giving him an unimpressed brow as he waited for Jace to sit. Once Jacaerys noted that his father would not speak until he took a seat before him, he sighed, sat on the chair, and tried to raise a brow back.

Daemon chuckled, “Now, son, what brings you to Harrenhall and away from your beloved mother’s side? Hmm.”

Jace blistered, “I came here to convince my sister out of her foolish decision to get engaged.”

Daemon shook his head; his little dragons were an overprotective bunch, each taking the creed of his father Baleon and protecting each other fiercely, sometimes a little too much. Which was more than he could say his brother Viserys ever did for him. Daemon took a swing of the cup before answering his stepson.

“Our Aemma can be many things, but she has never been the one to make foolish decisions. The boy is a fierce fighter, and his armies will greatly benefit your mother’s fight for the iron throne,” explained Daemon, watching Jace's face turn sour with each word.

Jace knew this path would be long, especially since his stepfather seemed to approve of the Lord of Raventree Hall. It would be harder to separate Aemma from him because whatever Aemma wanted, Daemon provided.

Jace sighed. As he stood, he faced his father. “I will see for myself, but if I don’t like him, my mother has permitted me to break the betrothal if I am not impressed.” Jace bowed before turning to leave, only pausing once he heard Daemon call out.

“Do what you must, but remember never at the expense of potentially harming your sister.”

Jace nodded as he continued walking, determined to find his sister even more. Daemon sighed as he rubbed his face. His children would be his death.

Jace continued walking, looking through the sea of gray, red, and black, trying to find a princess and lord but having no luck. While wandering, he found Cregan Stark as he was speaking to a woman wearing House Blackwood colors. When both noticed his presence, they paused and gave a quick bow. Jacaerys laughed and hugged Cregan, who was like a brother to him.

“Cregan, it's good to see you again. How was your journey south?” Jace asked as he grinned at the Wolf of Winterfell.

“Long and humid Jace. I’m sorry, lady Aly, but the Riverlands are much too humid for my taste,” stated Cregan as he stared at Aly Blackwood, who laughed.

“No harm done, Lord Stark. I sometimes find the Riverlands too much. Good day, Prince Jacaerys. I’m Alysanne Blackwood, but you may call me Aly.” Aly introduced herself to the dragon prince.

Who in turn smiled, wondering how close she was to Benjcot Blackwood.

“Yes, it is pretty humid for my taste as well; I prefer Dragonstone’s winds to this,” Jace answered before turning to Aly. “Well Met, Lady Aly Blackwood, pray tell me who you might be to the Lord of House Blackwood?” questioned Jace.

“I am his lady aunt, my prince,” explained Aly, confused about where the conversation would go.

Jace nodded and looked around again, searching for a sign of his sister, but again, to no avail. Cregan and Aly turned to each other, guessing who he was looking for. Jace noticed their questioning stare.

“Have you both seen either the Lord of Raventree Hall or the Crown Princess?” questioned Jace, staring at the two.

Cregan and Aly shared a secret look, both shaking their heads no,

“No, but let me look for them, my prince; I will bring them to you once I have found them,” replied Aly as she turned and walked away from the prince.

Alyssanne walked towards the main Blackwood tent, chuckling at the sight before her: her nephew and the princess warmly embraced. As much as she hated to wake them, she knew Prince Jacaerys would blow a fuse at the current sight. Aly walked to them and quietly shook the princess awake.

“My princess, you must wake up quickly….please, princess,” Aly loudly whispered, feeling relieved once the princess opened her violet eyes.

Aemma sharply gasped, seeing Aly in her face, and accidentally dug her elbow into Benji’s stomach, causing the young lord to groan and wake from his slumber, then also sitting up, noticing his aunt.

Aly shook her head; these two would be the death of her. “Princess, you need to go to your tent. Your brother is looking for you both and will not be pleased seeing what I saw. Go on now quickly from the back.”

Aemma nodded as she stood, quickly pecking Benji in the space between his cheek and lips, and walked out. Benji sighed, fully waking up as his aunt glared at him.

“I would rather not have my nephew turn into dragon food, Ben; you must impress Prince Jacaerys as much as you did with her father.” Explained Aly as she asked a maid for a bath to be ready. Alysanne walked towards the entrance before turning to her nephew. “Take a quick bath and meet us outside, please.’”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aemma quickly walked toward her tent, making sure no one noticed her, when Baela walked out of her tent, giving her a mischievous grin.

“Well, well, dearest sister, where are you coming from in a hurry? Hmm, from a certain lord who happens to wear a house color similar to ours?” taunted Baela.

Aemma playfully rolled her eyes, pushing her away and walking to a steaming bath awaiting her. Aemma turned to her sister in thanks as she began to undress and walk in the tub, sighing as she felt the boiling water ease her sore muscles. Baela sat behind her and began to wash her hair.

“Jace was looking for you..” started Baela as she reached for the perfumes.

“Yes, so I have been told,” whispered Aemma as she began to wash her body.

“You need to be more careful, sister. Our father may have given his blessing, but Jace has special permission from your mother to reject the union if he doesn’t like Lord Blackwood. He already has a closed mindset, thinking that you should marry Lord Stark instead.” carefully explained Baela as she finished washing Aemma’s hair and walked to the main room to take out a beautiful, lightweight red dress with black accents.

Once Aemma came out, she took the dress from Baela and began to dress herself, letting her sister tighten the corset laces. Baela paused, analyzing her sister. Luke’s death took a toll on everyone but more on Aemma and Rhaenyra; both women had dark circles under their eyes. But now, Aemma looked glowing, her skin and hair shining, bringing out the true Valyrian beauty bards loved to sing about.

“So tell me of Lord Blackwood, what did this lord do that many others couldn’t?” asked Baela, noticing Aemma’s blush.

As Aemma spun her tale from the first meeting at his hall to Sliverwing, allowing him to fly on her and the duel, Baela began to see that her sister was falling for the young lord.

“You are falling in love with him…” stated Baela as she went in front of Aemma.

Aemma sighed wistfully, “Earlier this week, I would have denied it, but now, I truly believe I have fallen, and he is with me.”

Baela was glad that, as much as this union would be best for their family, having Aemma find love in it was the best outcome. Baela embraced her sister.

“I’m glad… Jace will try to find faults, but I can tell there are none. I will support you in enlightening him.” Aemma grinned but noticed Baela wanting to say more.

“Have you told him about you and Aegon?”

Aemma inhaled sharply at the words, walking away from Baela.

“There is nothing to tell; it was a stupid promise two naive children made, nothing more; Benji has nothing to worry about.”

Baela sighed; she knew bringing up Aegon would upset Aemma, but she also knew how far the greens would risk believing in their delusions.

“ I still think you should tell him. You know how cruel Aegon is, and he will probably try to cause a stir once he finds out about your relationship,” explained Baela, taking hold of Aemma’s hand.

Aemma sighed; she knew what Baela had said was true, but she did not want to worry Benji. Young Aemma didn’t know about the vipers of the court or what kind of monster her uncle would have become. She couldn’t love someone who enjoyed tormenting servants and her poor aunt Heleana. Furthermore, she definitely couldn’t love someone who celebrated her brother’s death. The Aegon that Aemma made a promise to was an illusion, an idea, and not reality. Benjicot was ten times the man that Aegon could only hope to be, and truth be told, Aegon never had her whole body sing like when she was with Benji.

“I’ll think about a way to explain it to him; for now, I need to focus on Jace accepting Benji and making sure our betrothal continues.” Aemma decided as she and Baela walked to the feast hall.

Everyone stood when they noticed the two princesses walking in, Baela sitting between her father and Jacaerys. Jacaerys had Cregan next to him, and a spot opened next to Cregan. Aemma noticed this and rolled her eyes at her brother’s blatant plan for her to sit next to the Stark. Noticing Benji farther down with his aunt, Aemma grinned and walked towards them. Jace, in confusion, watched as his sister whispered something to Alysanne who then stood and walked towards Cregan and took the seat next to the winter wolf. Aemma turned, smirking at her brother, and sat next to Benjicot, keeping eye contact as she kissed the Blackwood lord's cheek. Jace huffed in annoyance, much to the amusement of everyone else.

As the feast continued and more wine was consumed, people joked around and made numerous toasts. The hall quieted once a brave and drunk Blackwood knight stood, swaying a little as he raised his cup.

“A toast to the Sea Dragon Princess, The realm’s pearl, Crown Princess Aemma, for nearly beating our lord and showing us the true power of the dragon. Our House will thrive under you and our lord’s rule!”

All the men started cheering, whistling, and cracking jokes as the princess blushed at the words spoken to her. Benji smirked and whispered something into her ear that had caused the princess's blush to darken. Jace sniffed at the sight and was surprised once he saw Cregan stand up, raising his cup.

Cregan grinned at the couple making the toast, “The greens will have a hard time with the likes of Princess Aemma and Lord Blackwood on our side. A toast to the Dragon Princess and her Raven lord; may they strike fear into our enemies' hearts!”

Everyone cheered at the words of the Winter Wolf as Jace stared at his friend in shock. As the feast ended, everyone went on their way. Jace, noticing his sister leaving with the young lord, followed them, asking Cregan to accompany him. Aemma led her betrothed to where the dragons were resting, wanting to spend time with Sliverwing. As Jace watched, he was surprised to see how welcoming the she-dragon was to the lord.

Cregan looked at Jace and sighed, “Jace, I think you should give it a rest; Benjicot is a good lad, and he will make a fine husband to your sister.”

Jace glared, “So would you, Cregan; my sister should have at least considered you before making her rash decision.

A joyous laugh broke their conversation as both turned to see Aemma laughing and trying to move Sliverwings' snout from Benjicot’s chest, who was laughing on the ground and being knocked down.

“I love Aemma but only as a sister. Besides, Benjicot has expressed how much he will give up for her. Your sister runs too hot for my taste, and I don’t enjoy my feet leaving off the ground. While I run too cold for your sister, she loves to soar far too much to be stuck on the cold floors of the north. Benjicot fits with your sister; he doesn’t get burned from her heat but welcomes it; he took flight like his ravens. There is no better man for her than him.” explained Cregan, hoping Jace saw what he saw.

Jace, staring at his sister, knew Cregan was right, but still, “We could have been brothers had you married my sister.”

Cregan shook his head, chuckling,” We are brothers. We made the blood pack, and nothing can change that, but forcing marriage on your sister would not bring us closer. Give your sister your blessing and let her marry her lord.” Cregan clapped his hand on Jace’s shoulder as he returned to his tent.

Jace sighed; he knew everything everyone had said was true; as Baela made her way to him, he kissed her hand and walked towards his sister. Aemma, noticing her brother, quickly helped Benjicot stand.

“Brother, I hope you are not here to sour my mood,” questioned Aemma as she raised her eyebrow.

Jace shook his head, “Not at all, dear sister, Lord Blackwood, I want to express my blessing to my sister's hand. I will send a raven to my mother, letting her know my decision, and expect her in a week for your wedding.”

Aemma was shocked, “a week? I’m not complaining, but isn’t it way too fast?”

Jace explained what their mother said: because of the war, it was better to have a fast wedding just to be safe. Aemma nodded while taking Benji’s hand and leaning into his side. Jace stated that Baela and, hopefully, Lady Alysanne would help with the maiden and marriage cloaks. He also noted that the day would have three separate ceremonies: One in front of a weirwood tree in the ways of the north, one of the faith, and the last being a Valyrian one. Aemma scoffed at the faith ceremony but knew it had to be done. They could not risk the Greens declaring her marriage invalid. As the group separated, Aemma and Benjicot walked to the princess’s tent, stopping at the entrance.

“As much as I wish for you to stay with me, I don’t want to risk the ire of my brother or father,” whispered Aemma as she stared into her betrothed eyes.

Benji smiled, understanding; Jacaerys barely gave his blessing, so it was best not to push it.

Aemma reached up to give a sweet kiss before asking, “Are you truly fine in marrying me in a week?”

Benji caressed his beloved's face as he returned the kiss before placing his forehead onto hers. “I would be willing to marry you tonight. You have taken my heart, and I don’t wish you to return it.”

Aemma’s heart felt like it would explode because of how much love she felt. “And you have mine, my love, my raven.” She whispered, kissing him once more, letting him feel all her love through the kiss. She separated herself from him, wishing a goodnight as she entered her tent.

“Sweet dreams, my dragon,” whispered Benji as he stood outside her tent for a while before walking to his tent, hoping to dream of a loving princess.

#benjicot blackwood #benjicot x reader #Benjicot blackwood/oc #jacerys targaryen #ao3 fanfic #hotd fanfic #hotd #house of the dragon #davos blackwood #Princess Aemma Velayron (oc)#bloody ben #house blackwood #thedragonandtheraven

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the20thangel · 2 months

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The Dragon and The Raven Chapter 10 Dragonseeds

Chapter Summary: As the Dragonseeds continue to try to claim the remaining dragons, Aemma has a reflection and conversations regarding what she wants for her family's future. While Aegon grows in his delusions.

Taglist: @callsignwidow @whimsicalmystic02 @mercedesdecorazon @rhaenyrathecruelwithteats @ithilwen-blackwood

Please let me know if I missed someone?

Word count: 3166

Masterlist

The royal party and the Dragonseeds took a break before trying again to claim the remaining dragons. As Alyn and Addam went to follow, Addam couldn’t help but send a quick glare to Princess Aemma, feeling that his chance to prove himself to Corlys was now gone.

Aemma was petting Seasmoke as the grey dragon continued to chirp and nuzzle her stomach. She grew content; it was always known that bonding with a dragon often helped their dragon riders' health, so she hoped that with their bonding, Seasmoke would soothe her babe.

As He watched his wife pet the grey dragon, Benji couldn’t help but wonder how such a fierce creature could be reduced to an overgrown kitten. Of course, he would never fully understand the bond between a dragon and its rider, only feeling grateful that he is allowed to be so close to them.

As the two stood between the two dragons. In the distance, Jace couldn’t help but observe them. Even though Benjicot was not a dragon rider, he held himself like one and showed great comfort in being close to Sliverwing and Seasmoke. Smiling, Jacaerys took Baela's hand as the two walked away from the scene, following the crowd back to the castle.

Bejicot turned to see the rest of the crowd leaving, wondering if they, too, should go or even if the dragons would let them leave. Not wanting to disturb Aemma, he pressed her closer to him, lightly squeezing her waist. Feeling her husband squeeze her, Aemma smiled as she leaned into him, sighing and slightly turning her face to him.

“Your family has decided to return to the castle…should we follow them?” muttered Benji quietly into her ear.

Aemma giggles, feeling his breath tickle her, “I suppose we should. I’m sure Seasmoke will follow us there and roost on the beach… How do you feel that our child will be a dragon rider.”

Benjicot kissed her crown, breathing in her sweet scent. “I should have suspected this possibility. I mean, my wife is one. Why wouldn’t our child follow their mother’s footsteps?” chuckled Benji.

Aemma separated from his arms, gracing him with a small smile and kissing him on the corner of his mouth.

Turning to the dragons. “sōvētēs,” she calmly commands, hoping that Seasmoke will listen. Thankfully, both dragons rise to the air, flying back to the caves closest to the castles.

Aemma stares at the dragons, becoming smaller in the distance. She reaches for Benji’s hand and leads them back to the castle.

As Aemma entered the castle, she was surprised by a hug from Rhaenys, her grandmother holding her close. Aemma smiled and embraced her back.

“Your father would be so proud that his grandchild be Seasmoke’s rider, my little sea dragon.” Rhaenys stepped back to look at Aemma, looking down at her stomach and placing a hand on her stomach.

“Thank you, grandmother,” whispered Aemma, feeling emotional. She, too, hoped Leanor would be proud.

“How far along are you, sweet girl?” asked Rhaenyra, joining the conversation.

“About three moons or so; the healer is saying the babe might be a little small but is definitely a fighter,” explained Aemma as she caressed her belly.

As Rhaenys and Rhaenyra continued to ask questions, Benji smiled and walked away from them, joining Jacaerys as the prince looked over the dragon seeds. Jace noticed Benjicot and smiled at his good brother.

“How is Aemma faring with the pregnancy?” asked Jace as he raised an eyebrow at Addam and Alyn of Hull.

The two brothers were looking at him, but once both men saw the prince looking, they quickly averted their eyes oppositely. Benjicot also stared at the two; he had seen Addam glaring at his wife at Dragonmount, and it seemed the young man was jealous of his wife and child. He would need to keep an eye on him.

Benji sighed, returning his attention to Jace, “She was nervous initially, but lately, she has been allowing herself to bond with them.”

Jace nodded, turning his eyes from the men to his sister. He saw her grinning and talking excitedly with their mother and grandmother.

“That’s good… I worried she wouldn’t want to get attached because of our mother…”

Benji looked at his good-brother in confusion. Why would Rhaenyra make Aemma nervous about carrying a child? The queen looked overjoyed at the news. Jace noticed Benji’s confusion and sighed, signaling him to follow away from prying ears.

“Aemma wasn’t the only daughter of my mother. Before King Viserys passed, my mother was pregnant with a girl, Visenya,” explained Jace, looking at Benjicot.

“When my mother was brought the news that my grandsire passed and Aegon was crowned, usurping my mother from the throne, the pain and betrayal caused my mother to go into early labor. She spent hours trying to push Visenya out of her body, but the little one wouldn’t budge. Aemma hasn’t told me much about what she saw in the room, but from what I saw, it was bloody and painful for my mother. In the end, Visenya was stillborn, causing another heartbreak. Aemma became traumatized; she expressed how the women in our family must be cursed to suffer such painful labors and losses of children. Like Queen Aemma and my mother, she worried about her turn in the labor bed, wondering if she would have the same fate.” finished Jace, turning to Benji.

Benji closed his eyes. Yes, war and battles were bloody, but women also had their battles, often fighting alone and in silence because that was expected of them. He couldn’t imagine what his Aemma and the queen went through that day.

“That’s why I ask; I fear Aemma might be putting on a brave face, trying to seem calm in her internal storm,” Jace wondered.

“I’ll be there for her to make sure her fears don’t materialize,” promised Benjicot, looking at his wife and Jacaerys.

Jace nodded with a smile before turning back to the people in the room.

“We will rest for another hour, then return to Dragonmount and try again with the remaining dragons,” announced Jacaerys, walking out of the room and wanting to spend time with Baela.

Benjicot returned to his wife, bowing at Princess Rhaenys and the queen. Both women smiled at the young man before retiring to rest for the time being. Aemma walked to Benji’s arms, resting her head on his chest.

“How are you feeling, my love,” pondered Benji, rubbing circles on her back.

Aemma closed her eyes as she confessed, “Truthfully, tired, I wish to lay and sleep for a month… but I need to go back-”

“I’m sure they will understand your situation while staying here at Dragonstone. Don’t push yourself over.” soothed Benjicot, not wanting her to exert herself overly.

“I need to be there, so it doesn’t seem that what happened with Seasmoke was a personal game… I see how those Hull boys look at me,” Aemma said, turning to the Hull brothers.

“Who gives a damn what they think? If they are going to be uptight over these things, then they are not fit to fight for your mother.” Benji countered.

“Hmmm. Maybe, but it's my duty, Ben, to be there as a figurehead of the crown; I am the crown princess, and people will look at and judge my actions and those of my mother. It is the same with you and Aly; you also have duties as lord of House Blackwood, and others will judge,” stated Aemma, looking into her husband's eyes and trying to make him understand.

Benjicot sighed, knowing that as Crown Princess, she needed to be there, but as his wife, she needed to rest. Benjicot knew it would get more challenging for her to let go once the war continued. But Aemma needed to see that she needed to keep herself and their child safe. Benji thought he might need to speak with the queen to convince Aemma to step back and possibly move to Raventree Hall until after her pregnancy.

Benji nodded to his wife, kissing her hand as he stepped back from her. Aemma knew he technically was right; she needed to relax more. She would be a mother and needed to learn how to balance political duties and being a mother to her children. As the two stayed in comfortable silence, Aemma’s stomach growled, causing the princess to flush with embarrassment as Benjicot laughed. Aemma playful pushed him away, lightly commanding him to find some lemon cakes. Benji laughed while bowing dramatically at his princess, heading for the kitchens, hoping that some servants were willing to make some lemon cakes or give him prepared ones before dinner. As Aemma shook her head at her husband’s antics, she noticed Addam Hull alone. Aemma took a breath; she supposed she needed to clear the air.

Walking to him, Addam quickly raised himself to give a bow, but the princess waved him off. As they both sat, Addam couldn’t help but feel awkward around the princess. Technically, he was her uncle, but they were so close in age that he could not find that sense of elder familial bond. Aemma turned to see Addam Hull, seeing many similarities between him and her grandsire. She waited momentarily before finally finding the words she was looking for.

“I’m sorry that you were not given a proper chance to meet Seasmoke.” apologized Aemma, seeing Addam gape at her in shock.

He was not expecting the princess to apologize, especially for something he knew was, in actuality, she had no control over. Addam gulped as he shockingly nodded his head.

“I cannot hold it against you, princess. It is like they say we choose our dragons as much as they choose us. Seasmoke did not wish to create the bond with me,” concluded Addam, realizing that he had no right to be upset at Seasmoke’s rejection. It was not the princess' fault the events turned out the way they did.

Aemma hmmed in agreement: “Still, with my outburst earlier, it did seem rather spoiled of me. But we do not need to be so formal or hostile to each other; we are family.”

This shocked Addam more; he did not think the princess and her family would welcome him to house Velayron, tolerate him, yes, but welcoming never.

“It's alright, princess. I am just Corlys’ bastard. You do not need to be so… nice to me or my brother,” Addam awkwardly explained.

Aemma shook her head, “I could care less if you are trueborn or not. You hold Valyrian blood in you; you might claim a dragon. You will help us… our family from destruction.”

“Do you… do you honestly not care that I am a bastard?” Addam pondered, shocked at how welcoming Corlys's family was to him.

Aemma chuckled as she explained, “We are so few left; having lost my father, brother, and aunt, I will cling to any Velayron family member left. You and I are the future of house Velayron. Our house will need an heir since… since the kingslayer killed our last one. All I ask is that you stay true to our family.”

Addam smiled; what he wanted for himself and his brother was to feel at home, not like outsiders or thieves. He just wanted a sense of belonging, and Aemma was giving him that with only the expectation of loyalty in return.

“I swear on my brother that we will stay true and faithful to House Velayron and Queen Rhaenyra.” pledged Addam.

Aemma smiled at the young man, feeling that he was speaking true; seeing Benji coming back, she stood, wishing Addam best wishes as she left to enjoy the delicious lemon cakes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The party was once again in Dragonmount, watching numerous people trying to claim a dragon. A man named Hugh Hammer tried to mount Vermithor, only for the Bronze Fury to shake him off. The man did not give up easily; determined to claim the dragon, he tried again. Aemma yawned, leaning more on Benji as she internally groaned, wishing she had listened to her husband in staying behind to rest. She couldn’t … Dragonstone held too many memories of Luke and Visenya that left her feeling suffocating.

Dragonstone used to be her solace, her peace, where she was free to roam and laugh, but now it held sadness and tragedy. Leanor, Lucerys, and Visenya haunted her in Dragonstone. She felt anxious, and she knew she did not want to spend the rest of her pregnancy there, but she didn’t want to disappoint her mother. Her mother seemed happy about a new life possibly being born in Dragonstone, but Aemma didn’t like that. Aemma needed to speak with Benjicot and Jacaerys to get advice on telling her mother she wanted to spend the rest of her pregnancy somewhere else, but where… She talked to Aly about returning to Raventree Hall, but Alysanne pointed out that Benji might not want her to stay alone in the castle. Truthfully, Aemma didn’t mind, but Alysanne made the point that House Braken could attack at any time in the name of Aegon, and she didn’t want to cause any stress.

As Aemma continued her internal debate, she noticed Addam looking at Grey Ghost, another wild dragon. Aemma grinned. Grey Ghost would be a perfect fit for him. The dragon was a bit shy, but Aemma knew what the dragon needed: a rider who could help it blossom and give confidence. As Vermithor again threw Hammer to the ground, people gasped and turned. Addam successfully mounted Grey Ghost and was easing the dragon to start galloping towards the cliff, hoping to create a start to the flying. As the shy dragon ran off, people held their breath, not releasing it until they saw the dragon soar upwards, Addam cheering in delight, feeling the air rush past his face. Aemma smiled, looking at her grandsire, who also seemed proud to see another son taking reign of the sky, just like Leanor and Leana.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the day ended, more surprises came from Dragonmount. Hugh Hammer reluctantly gave up after nearly getting his head bit off during his last try. As the Bronze Fury began his return to his cave, the giant dragon stopped in his tracks, staring at the group of people, pivoting. Vermithor walked straight to Princess Rhaenys and bowed his head, seemingly allowing the Queen, who never was, to mount her grandsire’s dragon. After a push from Rhaenyra, Rhaenys mounted the male dragon, focusing on creating a bond and apologizing to Meleys for replacing her so soon. Vermithor rose proudly as he flew off with the Princess, showcasing who he wanted to be his next dragon rider. That meant there was technically one unclaimed dragon left that being Sheepstealer, as The Cannibal was too dangerous.

Aemma thought that all in all, it was a successful selection. Those who claimed dragons could prove or already be loyal to her mother. She was hopeful of the future, optimistic that the gods were finally showing favor to them and their cause instead of the greens.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, in Kings Landing, Aegon was lying on his bed. He had lost a leg to Aemma, his Aemma. She had commanded her dragon to attack him, and in turn, he had lost a leg. Why? Why would she do such a thing? Did she not see that he loved her? He sent a beautiful gift, a locket in the shape of the letter A, for the meaning of their names. So why would she be so cruel to him? Was it that Barbarian? Her so-called Husband, Benjicot Blackwood.

It had to be him. He was poisoning her mind because, sweet, Aemma would never go so quickly to harm someone. She didn’t even try to harm Aemond, and Aemond was the one who killed Lucerys. He needed to try and reach out to her again; he needed to know what caused her to commit such an act. His pondering was cut short once Aemond walked in.

“Good morrow, brother… I bring news from the spies…” stated Aemond as he watched Aegon look at him. Pathetic, thought Aemond, Aegon looked pathetic. Aemma should have bitten off his head to relieve his misery.

“What news?” asked Aegon as he wished he had a glass of wine in his hand right now.

“ It seems the Blacks have managed to have a few people on their…side to claim riderless dragons…” declared Aemond, staring at Aegon's confused face.

“Which ones and to who?”

“ The one they call Grey Ghost was claimed by a Velayron bastard, which holds no concern to us. While Vermithor was claimed Princess Rhaenys, this is the concerning one, an experienced rider and dragon with the size to take on my Vhagar; it’s causing some of our allies to be concerned. Nevertheless, I shall stand victorious against them.” Aemond, walking to the side of the bed, Aegon following his brother’s movement.

“And the third dragon?” asked Aegon.

“Ser Leanor’s previous dragon, Seasmoke, was claimed by Aemma…”

“Now you are jesting, brother; never has a rider claimed a second dragon in history,” laughed Aegon.

Aemond huffed, hating being interrupted; he waited until his stupid brother ceased his annoying laugh, “If you let me finish my sentence, you would have known that we don’t believe it was Aemma, but rather her babe.” Watching in delight as Aegon’s face went from confusion to rage.

“He infected her with his spawn!” roared Aegon, sitting up angrily.

“Infected? You mean she is pregnant with her husband’s child,” explained Aemond cooly to his brother.

“No! How could this have happened? How could Aemma allow herself to carry a Blackwood spawn.” continued Aegon, staring at his shaking hands.

Aemond only raised an eyebrow; it seemed his brother was still obsessed with the Velayron princess.

“I would imagine, like her mother, she gladly spread her leg-”

“You will speak about her with the most utter respect! You may be Prince Regent, but I am still the king; I can have you charged with treason,” raged Aegon.

Aemond fumed; how could his brother defend a girl who did not love him so fiercely but ignore Heleana and her grief? Heleana was Aegon’s wife, not Aemma, and yet he continued to disrespect her for the Velayron, or now Blackwood girl, who would gladly try and murder him. His brother was truly stupid.

Aemond, not wanting to be in his brother’s presence, deciding to leave him in his self-pity as he left to run a kingdom.

“Aemond…” spoke Aegon.

Ameond wanted to groan as he turned to his brother.

“When the time comes, If I still cannot fight, I want you to strike down Benjicot…” commanded Aegon.

Aemond bowed, “As my king commands, when the time comes, I will bring his head to you.” Rising from his bow, Aemond walked out.

Aegon laid himself back on his pillows; he will have Benjioct Blackwood’s head.

#benjicot blackwood/oc #benjicot blackwood #fanfic #hotd fanfic #ao3 fanfic #house of the dragon #thedragonandtheraven #hotd #Princess Aemma Velayron (oc)

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the20thangel · 2 months

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The Dragon and The Raven Chapter 11: The Dragon Prince

Chapter Summary: As Princess Aemma is convinced to stay on Dragonstone for the remainder of her pregnancy, the greens ally with the Triarchy. Who battle to break through the Velayron blockade at sea. Prince Jacaerys leading the dragon seeds, and Princess Rhaenys has decided to showcase the true power of the dragon.

Tags: slight Fluff, slight nsfw, angst (I got a little teary-eyed writing it)

Taglist: @callsignwidow @whimsicalmystic02 @mercedesdecorazon @rhaenyrathecruelwithteats @ithilwen-blackwood @poppyflower-22 @alastorhazbin

Masterlist

Word count: 4.2K

In Dragonstone, the last dragon, Sheepstealer was claimed by a young girl named Nettles; she was a rambunctious girl with brown skin and brown coily hair. No one knew from which line she came. If she were part of the Velayron line, it would not be through Corlys, as he did not claim her like he did with the Hull brothers. The remaining dragon seeds that could not claim a Dragonstone were allowed to stay on the island, bringing their families and finding work in the village on the gloomy island. Aemma, Jace, and Rhaenys took the time to help the new Dragonriders learn High Valyrian, at least a good amount to communicate with the dragons.

To Rheanyra and Corlys's surprise, Jace and Aemma greatly liked the newly named Addam Velayron as he did with them. They spent much of their time with their dragons flying around Dragonstone until Sliverwing would forcibly land, telling the princess that her time in the air was up. Aemma would always huff in annoyance, complaining to both Benjicot and Rhaenyra as both quietly laughed, Rhaenyra assuring her daughter that Syrax would always do the same thing during her pregnancies.

Benji was glad to see his wife happy while at Dragonstone, his fears moving away as he had seen how, with each day and each moon, his wife would grow more and more ethereal with her pregnancy, which now smoothly progressed. It eased his mind to leave her on the island. As much as he wanted her by his side, The queen quietly spoke to him about how she thought it was best for the princess to spend the remainder of her pregnancy at the dragon castle, safe from any potential dangers in the Riverlands. He had contemplated moving her to Raventree Hall, as he and Aemma discussed during one of their first nights on the island, but a letter from his aunt and his discussion with the queen changed his mind.

Raventree Hall would be safe if those craven Brakens had not declared for Aegon, but since they did, if they should see the princess alone, they all feared the Brakens would do something drastic to harm the princess. He would rather stab himself than let any Braken touch his wife or child. Now, convincing Aemma to stay here and not follow him back to Harrenhal would be the tricky part. For that reason, he was nervous about the feast ending, seeing how relaxed and joyous she was talking to her brother and newfound uncle. He felt terrible for being the one souring her mood for the night, but he hoped with the help of the queen, his dragon princess would understand.

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Everyone but Rhaenyra, Aemma, and Benjicot had retired for the night, leaving the raven lord sighing as he placed a plate of lemon cakes, hoping his peace offering would ease the news he and the queen were going to give. Rhaenyra smiled at her daughter, remembering how much she craved lemon cakes when pregnant with the crown princess. She let her daughter indulge in the sweet treat as she cleared her throat and spoke to her good-son.

“Lord Blackwood, I suppose everything is prepared for your departure tomorrow?” she said, seeing her daughter pause from eating and returning her lemon cakes.

“Yes, my queen, everything is ready for my flight back to Harrenahl tomorrow morning,” replied Benji, glancing at his wife, who looked at him in confusion.

“I was not aware we were leaving tomorrow, Ben. I haven’t even checked on Sliverwing for the flight…” checked Aemma, seeing her husband grimace. Growing more confused, she turned to her mother, giving her a look of pity.

Rhaenyra stood, walked towards her daughter, and sat beside her, delicately placing her hand on her.

“No, my sweet pearl, your brother Jacaerys will fly to Harrenhal tomorrow to check on Daemon’s progress. Benjicot will leave with him-”

“But then my husband will be returning... right… so then I will leave with him back…” interrupted Aemma, taking shallow breaths and looking back and forth from Benji to her mother.

Once Aemma saw the shared look between them, her eyes watered as she shook her head.

“No, you will not leave me here… Ben, we discussed it… it was either I stay at Raventree Hall or Harrenhal…” she whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks.

Benji hated being the reason she cried. As he reached to wipe the tears from her face, Aemma closed her eyes, trapping his hand underneath hers. Aemma held his hand momentarily before opening her eyes pleadingly, hoping he would break and go against her mother. Rhaenyra, knowing he would break, sighed as she turned her daughter's face to her.

“ñuha prūmia do not cause him heartache. We, Alyssane Blackwood, your husband, and I made this decision carefully. Sliverwing will not take you on long dragon rides anymore. Sailing from here to the Riverlands is growing dangerous with talks of the Triarchy are moving again. The Brakens have declared for Aegon; who is to say they won’t try to harm you or your babe when you are alone? The safest option is to stay here… please my pearl, understand we are considering your well-being.” assured Rhaenyra, hoping her daughter would see reason.

Aemma sobbingly sighed as she looked at her mother, purple staring at purple. She knew they were right; she was safe with multiple dragons guarding the island. The Greens would be foolish to try an attack, but this… her relationship had just established a strong foundation. Having each other to be separated for an extended time frightened Aemma. Her whole heart belonged to Benjicot now. Should something happen to him, it would break her. Aemma turned away, reaching for Benji’s hand, smiling at how quickly he intertwined his finger between hers.

“I’m scared you will miss the birth of our babe… I do not wish to go through it alone,” she confessed, remembering how Laenor or Daemon weren’t there for her mother when she gave birth. She did not wish for the same fate, she wanted Benjicot in the room with her.

Benji smiled wistfully. He, too, wanted to be there when their babe decided to come into the world. He promised as he stroked her knuckles.

“I will come back once you reach your eighth moon. That way, we can ensure I do not run the risk of missing our child’s birth. I will be right next to you throughout the day, and once they arrive, I shall be the one to place our babe into your arms.” He kissed her cheek, seeing her smile at him.

Aemma looked again at her mother, who agreed with Benji’s promise, whispering that she agreed to the plan. She will spend the remainder of her pregnancy at Dragonstone, hopefully after she can convince them to let her follow her husband after the birth. The couple wished the queen a good night as they walked hand in hand to their chambers. Benjicot sent away the servants, stating he would help his wife. As he began unlacing her from her gown, Aemma turned to him. Looping her arms around his waist, she pressed a long kiss to his mouth, pressing her body to him. Benji, quickly falling into his wife’s charms, placed his hands on her waist, pulling her closer as he reciprocated the kiss, deepening by running his tongue on her lips. Before Aemma allowed him access, she pulled away, breathing heavily.

“If you are to leave me tomorrow, I need you to leave me with a gift to remember you during our time apart…” As she closed her eyes, she leaned in again, her lips barely touching his own as she continued.

“Make love to me, Ben; carve your love to every part of my body… leave a reminder of you on my body.” she pleaded as she opened her mouth, allowing her husband’s tongue to enter her mouth.

As the two continued to kiss, Benji raised Aemma to the bed, quickly undressing both her and him. He would spend this whole night loving his wife, making sure that he, too, would have reminders of her back before leaving for Harrenhal. The night ended late with fiery passion between the princess and her raven lord, whispers of love filling the air.

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The following day came as the royal family sent their goodbyes to Lord Blackwood and Prince Jacaerys. Aemma and Benjicot shared a sweet kiss goodbye before the young lord knelt at his wife’s swollen belly, caressing it; he promised he would be back and pressed a long kiss, grinning as he felt a tiny kick. Their babe had just started making their presence known to their parents. Rising from his position, he provided one more small kiss to Aemma as he left, bowing to the queen and climbing behind his good-brother. Vermax rose, adjusting to the newfound weight and launching himself into the air to make the long journey to Harrenhal.

Aemma watched until the emerald dragon became a speck in the sky. Turning, she inhaled deeply. She would be counting the days, hoping time would pass quickly so that she could have her husband back to her side. She intertwined her arms with Baela, smiling as they returned to the castle.

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Two months had passed since Benjicot left Dragonstone, Jace having returned a month prior. Aemma was now seven moons into her pregnancy; she walked into her mother’s war council. She was given a place as an advisor to her mother. Although Aemma hardly enjoyed being there, many of the men, mostly Lord Celtigar, would criticize and undermine her mother’s decisions the whole time. As she felt another headache brewing, Aemma sighed; rubbing her forehead, she felt her babe kick her to soothe its mother’s mood. Smiling, Aemma stroked her belly, looking up to see Jace grin at her and roll his eyes at the arguing lords. Aemma grinned back, careful not to laugh. It would not do any good if the lords thought she was making fun of them. As the meeting ended again, with no clear direction or command, Aemma walked out with the help of her brother. The two walked out to the balcony, hearing Grey Ghost calling out as they saw Addam soaring, commanding the dragon to do flips and turns.

“Who would have thought such a shy dragon-like Grey Ghost would come out of his shell in a few months.” pondered Jace, seeing how the dragon flew close to the ocean before slipping away and soaring higher.

Aemma nodded, grinning as Addam passed the Targaryen siblings waving at them. Jace nodded, and Aemma enthusiastically returned the wave. Addam and Alyn were proving to their family how loyal and hardworking they were, and Corlys discussed with his family who should take the burden as Heir of Driftmark. Aemma pleaded for Addam’s case, while her grandmother Rhaenys pleaded for Alyn. Both men had excellent qualities to take on being the future lord, so Aemma supposed time and Corlys would tell who would be chosen.

A raven interrupted the siblings' musings. Grinning, Aemma recognized her raven, a gift Benji gave her when they first started courting. Taking the letter from its leg, Aemma placed the Raven on her shoulder, walking back to her chambers, with Jace following his sister. Opening, Aemma read the letter from her husband. Jace sat on her chaise, serving himself wine and sipping the sweet liquid while waiting for his sister.

My Beloved Dragon,

How are you faring this moon? It would be your seventh, yes? I have been missing you more these past few days, wishing you were here so I could nuzzle my face into your soft curls, pressing your body to mine as I inhale your sweet smell. I hope our babe has not kept you awake these nights. Tell them that I shall be returning soon.

I’m sorry that the lords of your mother’s council have been causing you headaches. Again, I wish I was there to relieve your tensions in any way, whether by my hands or ….. Through my tongue, sweet girl. Knowing I am far from you, I shall not tease you because that will only backfire on me, causing me to ache for you and your gorgeous body.

Harrenhal has been… busy. I fear something might be troubling your father; he looks like he hasn’t slept well. I will make sure to keep an eye on him from the distance. I wouldn’t want my head to be chopped off by a ticked-off King Consort. In happier news, I think we will be celebrating a wedding soon. Cregan asked for my blessing to court Aly. I, of course, gave him my blessing, telling Cregan that if I didn’t, I would have to fear the wraths of Black Aly and the Dragon Princess Aemma. They are positively smitten with each other, more Cregan, I fear; he follows my aunt like a lost puppy. Of course, I have been the annoying nephew and teased them endlessly, which may not have resulted in a few bruises on my body.

I will count the days until I call upon Jace to bring me back to your arms. I must go now; send my warm greetings to your family. I adore you, sweet girl.

Forever yours,

Benji Blackwood.

Aemma smiled, blushing slightly at her husband's teasing words. She knew Aly and Cregan would soon fall into each other's arms. As she raised her gaze to her brother, Jace raised an eyebrow, smiling teasingly.

“Should I even ask what was in that letter? I don’t want to be scared for life…Ouch!” exclaimed Jace, sending a playful glare to his sister. Aemma grinned as she threw a pillow at her childish brother.

“I was going to share the happy news, but now I will not..” teased Aemma, laughing as Jace mocked, gasped in outrage, and protested.

“You are such a cruel sister; I pray your child is nicer to their uncle.” jested Jace, smirking at his sister, who rolled her eyes.

“Oh hush, Let me share the great news, at least for me. It seems Cregan will become family with me, as he and Alysanne Blackwood have begun courting,” shared Aemma, grinning as Jace gaped at his sister.

“Truly! Well, good for Cregan; House Blackwood must have a certain charm to snag a Princess and a Paramount lord in such a short time.” Chuckled Jace, grinning as Baela walked into the room.

“Yes, Let’s thank the gods there are no other eligible unmarried maidens, or I will need to fear that my betrothed will run off with one,” teased Baela, laughing at Jacaerys’ pale face.

“Never, my heart lies with you and only you, Baela. There shall never be another close to you.” professed Jace, taking Baela in his arms and kissing her shoulder.

Aemma smiled at the two, only missing Benji slightly more from the scene before her. As the three young dragons continued chatting, enjoying their snacks and company, Rhaenyra quietly walked in, smiling. She loved it when the three could enjoy their youth and the thoughts of war being banished to the backs of their minds. She hated being the bearer of bad news, but it was urgent. As she called out, the three young dragons stood bowing to their queen. Rhaenyra apologized for interrupting their time to relax but said that Corlys, who had just arrived from Driftmark, had urgently called for another council meeting.

As they walked in, they noticed everyone's dire mood. Sitting next to Jace, Aemma listened as Corlys explained how the Triacrchy had sided with Aegon and the Greens. Providing the Greens Ninety warships to break House Velayrons siege on the Gullet. Everyone tensed at the news. They knew the greens were being too quiet after Rooks Rest; it was only a matter of time, which had finally come. Corlys stated that the greens also took the bait of thinking the princes Joffery, Aegon, and Viserys were on their way to Pentos and were planning to attack a small ship that they believed held the youngest princes. Aemma sighed, relieved her brothers were still safely at the Vale with Rhaena. The council spoke about who should go to the Gullet with Velayron warships to destroy the Triarchy fleet and win a battle against the Greens. Jacearys automatically called upon himself with his grandmother, Addam, and Nettles. Saying how it was time the greens saw their true power. Many in the council agreed with the Crown Prince, saying that Prince Aemond couldn’t leave the Red Keep since he was prince regent.

The only ones who did not want Jace to go were Rhaenyra, Aemma, and Baela, for they did not want to risk him getting injured or worse. Aemma bit her lip, grabbing her brother’s hand and squeezing it as they made the plan. They would leave tomorrow for the Gullet. As the meeting ended, Rhaenyra took her son into her arms, whispering to him her pleas. Asking Jacaerys to lead the fight but also pleading that he flies higher than the other dragons whose sizes were larger than Vermax—asking him to fight fiercely but safely so that he may return to them. Aemma agreed with her mother, and she hugged them, too. Jace promised his safety, leaving with Baela. Both mother and sister knew to let the young couple spend time together.

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Jace stood with the others the next morning, saying goodbyes to his mother and sister. Embracing his mother, he promised he would make her proud. Rhaenyra smiled into her son's curls, kissing his crown; she reaffirmed that she was always proud of him. Holding him at a distance, she again expressed concern for his safety as the prince nodded.

Turning to his sister, Aemma tried to put on a brave face, but her emotions betrayed her. Tears streaming, she held on to him.

“Please, Lēkia, please be safe,” Aemma asked of her brother, her grip tightening as he returned her hug.

Jace kissed his hāedar’s forehead, “I promise, Aemma, I shall return, bringing a gift of a toy from Pentos for my niece or nephew. After this battle, I will fly straight to Harrenhal and bring Ben with me.”

Aemma sniffed, smiling tearily at her older brother, stating how she would pray to the Fourteen Flames for a speedy victory and safe return. Jace grinned, thanking his sister, turning to Baela and pressing one last kiss to her cheek, for they already said their goodbyes yesterday. Climbing onto Vermax, Jace commanded the rest to follow, shouting Sovetes; the four dragon riders left the island.

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“Once you see the Triarchy ships, do not hesitate; let them have a taste of fire and blood. They will regret the day they thought they could win against the dragons!” yelled Jace as he led the assault on the enemies' warships.

Vermithor let out a mighty roar as the bronze fury burned five warships in a single fire breath, his heat melting the metal into the soldiers’ skins, their screams piercing through the sea breeze. Grey Ghost and Sheepstealer worked together to burn another five ships, the two dragons dancing in harmony. Jace smiled with pride as he saw ship after ship sinking. Noticing how his grandfather, the Sea Snake, and his fleet began engaging in a sea battle, canons after canons exploding. With the Sea Snake’s fleet having the upper hand, the Triarchy grew irritated and fearful of how quickly their ships sank.

As the Dragons continued their assault, no one noticed one warship that began unraveling a scorpion. The heavily breathing soldier focused on Princess Rhaenys, trying to get an aim on her or the eye of the Bronze Fury. After a few missed aims, the soldier growled quickly, turning to look at different dragons. There… he thought, the emerald one; as Vermax flew close by, burning another two ships, Jace heard the whoosh of a giant bow. Turning, he stiffened, seeing a fast bolt flying straight to his dragon. As fast as he could, he could not fly fast enough, the bolt striking Vermax in the eye. The Emerald dragon screamed in pain, crashing into the waves below. Jace jumped off his dragon, choking on seawater. Addam screamed for the prince as he flew down to grab him, flying as close as he could; he asked the prince to reach up and hold onto his arm. As Jacaerys reached for his uncle, he felt the stabbing hot pain of multiple shots in his back. The remaining soldiers began shooting arrows at the dragon prince before aiming at the grey dragon. Yelling in anger and despair, Addam fell back, moving away from the flying arrows, staring in horror, seeing arrow after arrow piercing through his nephew.

As Jace felt the coldness wash over him, he heard his grandmother’s screams. His eyes closing as his thoughts went to the people he loved, past and present. His fathers: Harwin, Laenor, and Daemon. His grandparents and his newfound uncles. Rhaena and his youngest siblings he was glad knowing that they were safe. His marvelous mother, the best mother he could have asked for. He felt like he failed her as an heir. He thought about his love, his fierce Baela, and his regret not marrying her. His good-brother Benjicot, who he knew would have to pick up the pieces of his sister’s heart. His hāedar, his sweet Aemma, he broke his promise to her. He would not return home, and he would not be the one to bring Benjicot back to Dragonstone. He would not get to meet his nephew or niece. With a lone tear, Prince Jacaerys, the heir to the Iron Throne, left the realm of the living and slowly entered the realm of Balerion.

Addam, burned with anger, commanded Nettles to follow him, and the two turned their attention to the warships. Letting Fire and Blood rain on them and burning 31 more warships. Addam tightly closed his eyes, feeling tears prick his eyes. Jacaerys was too young. Why him…

Rhaenys screamed, asking Vermithor to sweep down and pick up her grandson’s body; she would not leave without his body. They would not have another boy lost at sea; Rhaenyra deserved to burn his body, not just his clothes, as they had done with Luke. As she ordered Nettles and Addam to return home, she saw that they, too, were crying for the prince. She was not sure she could take much more heartbreak. With her heart at her throat, she flew back to Dragonstone, dreading her arrival.

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Aemma, Rhaenyra, and Baela were enjoying a pleasant lunch, each sharing a few lemon cakes with each other. They were brainstorming some names that Aemma and Benji could consider for their child. They paused their conversation, hearing a commotion coming towards them. The three stood as the doors banged open, the council members pale, Rhaenys with bloodshot eyes, and Addam looking at Aemma with regret.

Aemma gasped, not wanting to think the worse, but thinking of the worse as she looked at Addam Velayron and her grandmother…no she thought… Rhaenyra started breathing heavily, asking the group what happened when Baela gave a strangled gasp. In walked in, Corlys Velayron, with a haunted look, tears flowing down his dark cheeks, holding the lifeless body of Jacaerys Velayron.

Aemma sharply inhaled, seeing her older brother's body pale, with his wet curls covering his closed eyes. Aemma closed her eyes, clutching her stomach, wailing in anguish, her heartwrenching screams vibrating through the halls. Sobbing, she sunk to the floor, screaming for Jace, screaming for her brother, her brave, sweet brother.

Rhaenyra let out a silent scream, running to her son’s body, snatching him from Corlys as she desperately tried to wake her son. Jace couldn’t be gone; he was just sleeping. Rhaenyra pleaded to any gods to wake her son. Her Jace, not her Jace, she whispered as she pressed kiss after kiss to his brow. Pleading for him to wake.

Baela turned to her grandmother, who tried to hug her but walked away from her arms. Jacaerys promised they would marry after he returned. She was supposed to marry him, not mourn him. Why would he do this to her….

As everyone mourned for the dragon prince, Elinda Massey quietly gasped, seeing her princess groan and struggle to stand. Quickly, she ran to help her, asking her what was the matter. Aemma fearfully looked at her mother’s lady-in-waiting, stating it was too soon. Both gasped, Aemma feeling a clear liquid begin to run down her legs and onto the floor. Aemma sharply groaned as she leaned on Elinda. Everyone quickly turned to see the princess bent over her stomach, liquid spooling down her feet. Rhaenys ran to her granddaughter, helping her stand as she screamed for healers and maesters to prepare the birthing chambers. Princess Aemma was going into early labor. As the Princess sobbed, stating how it was too soon, Rhaneys and Elinda, nearly carrying her, led her out. Rhaenyra, torn between staying with Jace or running to her daughter, commanded that a raven be sent out urgently to Harrenhal, letting Daemon know that he needed to return to Dragonstone with Benjicot; Aemma was giving birth.

#benjicot blackwood #fanfic #thedragonandtheraven #hotd fanfic #house of the dragon #ao3 fanfic #benjicot blackwood/oc #hotd #hotd spoilers #jacaerys velaryon #jacaerys targaryen #vermax #character death #Princess Aemma Velayron (oc)

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the20thangel · 2 months

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The20thangel Masterlist

I created a masterlist of all the fanfiction I have written so far!

Benjicot x reader (with names)

The Realm's Jewel

Playing with Fire

Insatiable Appetites

The Labor of Our Fruits

A Calling to The Past

My Series Benjicot x OC (Aemma Velayron)

The Dragon and The Raven

Benjicot x reader (no names)

As My Queen Commands

The Shocking Prize for the Raven Knight

The Caged Queen

The Vow

Lost to a Blackwood (New)

#benjicot blackwood/oc #benjicot blackwood #fanfic #thedragonandtheraven #house of the dragon #hotd #benjicot x reader

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the20thangel · 1 month

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The Dragon and The Raven Chapter 14: Warging Lessons.

Chapter Summary: Benjoct begins his warg lesson, growing frustrated at the slow process when his dragon princess decides to provide stress relief services. A certain person from the past comes to visit in dreams.

Tags: Smut, 18+ NSFW, angstishFluff

Taglist: @poppyflower-22 @alastorhazbin @callsignwidow @whimsicalmystic02 @mercedesdecorazon @rhaenyrathecruelwithteats @ithilwen-blackwood

word count: 2.7K

Masterlist

Ben stared at his aunt and the lord of Winterfell before laughing, his cackles frightening the whole group. The only person who seemed not bothered by the young lord’s outburst was Jaesys, who, in turn, began cooing, looking at his father. Alysanne would have swooned at the scene if she weren’t so worried about her nephew’s reaction to their plan. The Blackwood lady turned to Princess Aemma, who was staring at her husband with slight worry but was trying to hide it.

After a minute, Benjicot finally calmed down.

“I’m sorry, but it seems so far-fetched; you want me to try something I have only read in books. We don’t know if I even have enough blood from the First Men…”

Aemma squeezed his hand, making him pause and face her.

“It wouldn’t hurt to try, right? Look at my family; we asked Dragonseeds to come and try to claim dragons to support us in the war… If my family can have magic to bond our dragons, why can’t yours have a different magic to warg into animals.” explained Aemma to her husband while caressing his cheek.

Benjicot smiled, leaning into his wife’s touch. She had a point; he just didn’t want to get his hopes up in trying something that could potentially amount to nothing, but again, just like the Dragon seeds, the outcome would never be certain unless he tried. Nodding, he turned to Cregan, letting him know that he was willing to try to learn how to warg.

Cregan beamed, “Great! Using a raven or crow from Blackwood Lands would work best because they will sense a familiarity with you.”

Aemma grew excited as she answered for Ben, “You can use my raven, Ben, the one you gave me when we started courting.”

Benjicot smiled at her, placing a chaste kiss on her cheek as he stood with Cregan. Both lads eagerly wanted to start the process, Leaving Aly with the princess and little heir.

After allowing a small moment of solitude to pass, Aly moved to sit next to the princess. As she finally allowed Jaesys to return to his mother’s arms, she asked how the princess was doing.

Aemma nuzzled her baby, smiling as he cooed. She turned to answer Aly, “Okay, there are days when I just want to wallow in my grief, but thankfully, Ben and Jaesys are always there to bring me out. Ben has also been amazing in being so hands-on with our son…truthfully it surprised me. As far as I knew, lords tend not to be so hands-on, but then again, many people also expected me just to hand my baby to a nursemaid.”

She knew the greens were surely like that; she saw how out of touch Alicent was with her children. Her mother rightfully criticized the green queen for that.

Aly smiled as she replied, “Ben was always excited to have children; he would always take time to play with the children of the village and our younger cousins; he had more patience than Davos.”

Bringing up Davos opened a wound in Aly; it had not even been a full year since her brother's and eldest nephew’s death. She knew Davos would have made an amazing uncle, adoring Jaesys with so much attention and gifts. He also would have enjoyed teasing his shy younger twin endlessly for wooing a Targaryen princess, but alas, fate was cruel in the form of Brakens.

Aemma smiled, knowing the ghosts of their loved ones were close; grabbing her hand, the princess and lady leaned on each other, quietly reminiscing about their families.

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As the days passed, Benjicot spent many grueling hours reading and practicing the process of warging, but so far, nothing seemed to make process. It was frustrating for him; he wanted to support Aemma but felt like he was failing so far. He was also growing upset, having to place most of his lordly duties on Aly and Aemma while he trained with Cregan. Both women didn’t seem to complain, but Benjicot knew that putting all the engagements to them was unfair, especially since Aemma herself was taking her lessons from her father, preparing for the announcement from the Queen proclaiming Aemma as the new official heir to the Iron Throne.

Rushing into his tent after another day of failure, he grabbed his cloak and threw it to the ground in frustration. Sighing from mental exhaustion, he sat tiredly on the bed, rubbing his hand up and down his face and trying to cool off. The rustling of the tent’s entrance made him look slightly up as he and his princess walked in wearing mostly red today. Warmth spread in Benji’s stomach; he always felt like this whenever Aemma decided to wear red instead of fully black. She looked gorgeous, and he was greatly considering asking a seamstress to make a dress for the princess that would have ravens and dragons embroidered just like their son.

As the princess walked in, she noted her husband's mood, quietly sitting beside him and taking his hand into her own. After a moment of the two sitting in quiet peace, Ben raised their intertwined hands and kissed Aemma’s hand. Smiling, Aemma turned to her love, raising her other hand to move some of his hair from his forehead.

“How was your day today?” asked the dragon princess, frowning slightly as Ben huffed quietly.

“Frustrating… I just can’t seem to grasp how to warg… all I seem to be doing is growing headaches,” explained Benjicot as he felt his frustration coming back.

Aemma moved closer to him, knowing he was placing so much pressure on himself.

“It will come; just don’t push yourself too much. I don’t want this process to hurt you; skin changing can become dangerous.” pleaded Aemma.

Ben shook his head, “I want to support you, be your eyes in the air; I want to prove to you and everyone how much I can bring into our marriage…”

Aemma kissed him before she replied, “Yes, but what good will come if my husband ends up injuring himself because he constantly pushed himself beyond his limits? Warging is a skill; you have magic in your blood, as I do, but the magic needs to be trained, just like how I built my dragon riding skills. I was born with the magic to bond with dragons and ride them, but I did not magically wake up with a strong bond between Sliverwing and me. I worked hard for years with her to build our bond; there were days I was too frustrated, but my father and mother both made me realize that forcing skills to appear quickly was not the route to go; it would have only hindered my bond and caused serious repercussions. So be patient, my love; your hard work will come to fruition.”

Benjicot sighed, knowing his dragon princess’s words to be true. He kissed her back briefly before separating himself from her and asking for Jaesys.

“Daemon has him, says that the Blackwoods have been hogging him for too long, and the boy also needed to know his Targaryen roots. His words, not mine,” replied Aemma as she stood from the bed, walking behind Benjicot and placing her hands on his shoulder.

Mischievous, the princess smirked, pressing her body to her husband. She began messaging his tense shoulders, causing the raven-haired lord to groan. Leaning to his ear, Aemma whispered.

“Besides, I felt you were going to be tense, so I decided to use this free time to release you from any tension.”

Benjicot blushed slightly at his wife’s words. Determined not to falter, he decided to play on. “Oh, and what plans do you have, wife? Will you serve me on your knees and-”

Ben sharply inhaled, seeing Aemma knee before him, and spreading his legs open. Aemma placed her hands on each thigh, squeezing them a little, making sure to keep eye contact as she replied.

“What a wonderful idea, husband. Let me serve you tonight.”

With that, she reached forward and grabbed Ben’s clothed cock messaging it and squeezing it for a moment before she freed it from his clothed restraints. She stared at it as it slowly started to harden and rise. Spitting in her hand, she grabbed his rod again, moving her hands in a circular motion and up and down.

Ben groaned, spreading his legs farther, allowing Aemma to come closer to him as she spat on him, squeezing his cock before continuing with her motion. Once she knew he was fully erect, she leaned her mouth to him, placing a kiss at the tip before dragging her tongue slowly down to his base and enjoying his loud groan from his mouth.

Benjicot felt like he was in paradise with an angel. As he placed his hand on Aemma’s head, he entangled his fingers in her sliver waves, tugging a bit, which prompted the princess to lick upwards before taking him into her mouth.

“Fuck Aemma!” exclaimed Ben as he felt her warm mouth around him.

Aemma smiled. Hearing her name coming out of his mouth in a pleasurable tone, she continued her attention to him, moving her head up and down and swirling her tongue around him like he was a sweet candy. She moaned, feeling his hands grip her hair harder, pushing himself deeper into her mouth. She begins feeling wetness pool under her.

At hearing her moan, Ben began panting, feeling his release coming fast like a train; as he tried to pull her off, it only caused her to suck harder, which pushed him to the edge. Letting a loud grunt, he released himself in her mouth. Opening his eyes, he moaned loudly, seeing how his beautiful wife swallowed every single drop. She looked so angelic, her purple eyes slightly hooded, staring at him. With a smile, Aemma released him with a loud pop, kissing the tip again before she moved up and sat on his lap.

“How was that for you, my love.” She whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Ben chuckled as he, too, wrapped his arms around her waist, dragging her body closer to him, causing her to grind on him. Both lord and princess quietly moan at the sensation.

“Wonderful, you are a divine, sweet girl; now let me return the favor.” He stated as he kissed her hungrily.

Aemma moaned again, allowing her raven lord to push his tongue into her mouth and explore the inside of her mouth. Still feeling mischievous, she lightly sucked on his tongue, which prompted him to growl in pleasure as he retreated slightly. Before she could tease him, she squealed when she felt him bite her neck. Her squeal quickly turned into moans again at feeling him attack her neck with love bites.

Gasping, Aemma began to grind herself on him, feeling her husband’s cock awaken again. She moaned, feeling him against her. As much as she wanted him inside of her, she remembered the caution from the midwives: she shouldn’t lay with her husband until 3 moons after giving birth. Jaesys was barely turning two moons.

“Ben, we can’t; the midwives warned against laying with you until Jaesys is 3 moons,” she whispered, although she didn’t want to stop.

Ben kissed her again before replying, “I don’t have to be inside you to make you find your release angel. Take off your small clothes; I promise I won’t enter inside you.”

Aemma, slightly confused, raised herself and did as was told. Once she removed her small clothes, she gasped at Benjicot’s stronghold, roughing, pulling her back onto his lap. She whimpered, feeling his stiffness nestle in between her folds. Ben placed his head on her neck, licking her neck and huffing as he felt her slick wetness coating him. Placing his arms around her waist, Ben began to move his princess, allowing his cock to slide in between her lower lips, savoring her moans and gasps.

Aemma closed her eyes in pleasure, wrapping her arms around Benjicot’s head as she, too, began to move and grind herself on him, enjoying the feeling of him sliding.

“Mmmhm, yes, Ben, just like that,” she whispered, for she only wanted him to hear how good she felt.

Ben, wanting to hear more, began to roughly and faster grind himself to her, grunting at how much wetter she began. She was gorgeous, and she was his, and he was hers. No other man will ever compare to him, and no other woman can hold a candle to her. They were made for each other, and both princess and lord knew that thought to be entirely true. They were always meant to find each other.

“Please, Ben, please..” Aemma began to plead, moving her hips faster, wanting to bring her release faster.

“Please, my love, I can’t give you something I don’t know.” Ben taunted, although he, too, was coming close to his second release.

“Make me undone…I need your release; I need you to bring me to ecstasy,” commanded Aemma, leaning her hips as she felt like she was going to burst.

“Go ahead, sweetling. I will never deny you,” assured Ben, groaning as he and Aemma simultaneously allowed their release to flow over them.

Both moaned at the sensation, holding on to each other until their ecstasy soothed over, panting. Both stayed frozen, smiling at each other.

After a moment, Aemma kissed Ben sweetly, playing with the hairs on the back of his neck. Smiling at the kiss, Ben caressed her face. Allowing each other to feel their love for each other.

“We should probably bathe before someone comes with Jaesys; I’d rather not see my father with our fluids still on us.” proposed Aemma, rising from his lap.

Benicot laughed but silently agreeing he did not need to give his good father an excuse to stab him. Taking his wife into his arms, he walked them both to the bathing section of their tent.

As the night progressed, Daemon finally returned the baby to his parents, wishing them goodnight as the young family prepared for bed. Jaesys snuggled in his bassinet, and the babe cooed in his sleep. Aemma snuggled into her husband, breathing in his scent as she allowed the realm of dreams to welcome her. Lastly, Ben, too, entered the realm of dreams. Two ravens flying around him welcomed him as one landed before him. Benjicot’s eyes widened, seeing the raven transform into his twin. His shock grew as the second raven flew down, Jaesys transforming out and landing in his uncle's arms. Davos smiled at the babe, tickling the baby as he turned to his younger twin.

“Look at you, snagging a Targaryen princess, aye,” smirked Davos, watching as Benjicot openly gaped at him.

“What, the dragon got your tongue, Ben? Close your mouth before a fly enters; I don’t think my good sister would appreciate that.” Davos laughed as Benjicot glared at him.

“How…what… how are you here? Where am I?” asked Ben.

Davos shrugged, placing his nephew back in his father's arms. “Not sure, this could be your dreams or the realm in between; regardless, the old gods have decided to be generous with me and allow me to meet my nephew; he's a handsome bugger, isn’t he…a proud Blackwood, he will grow into.”

Benjicot smiled, slightly agreeing with his twin: “He has Targaryen qualities, too; he has his mother’s eyes.”

Davos nodded; the Blackwood genes were beautifully enhanced thanks to the Targaryen's otherworldly beauty in his nephew.

As the twin brothers continued making small takes, Davos felt his time was coming to a close. As he expressed his thoughts, Benjicot frowned. He was not ready to let go of his twin.

Davos chuckled, walking to his twin and hugging him. Benjicot was always the sweeter of the two.

“We are proud of you, Ben; Mother, Father, and I are all proud. You will lead our house to glory. You will be the first in generations to warg, allowing our allies and enemies alike to see the true power of having the blood of the first men. Continue on your path, brother; you will be successful.

Sniffing, Benjicot smiled tearily at his twin, knowing their time was up. Walking away from the young father and son, Davos smiled.

“Tell your princess I thank her for honoring our customs and that her brothers are safe with their families.”

Ben gaped at the words. Nodding, he stared in awe as his brother transformed into a raven again, taking flight and flying away from father and son, with sweet little Jaesys cooing, his purple eyes following as the blackbird became smaller and smaller in the distance.

#thedragonandtheraven #house of the dragon #benjicot blackwood #fanfic #hotd fanfic #hotd #benjicot blackwood/oc #Aemma Velayron (oc)

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the20thangel · 2 months

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The Dragon and The Raven Chapter 13: The Dragon Princess

Summary: The Royal family tries to grieve for Prince Jacaerys, but many issues arise. This caused tensions to grow, especially between Aemma and her mother. Can Benjicot be the solution?

Taglist: @poppyflower-22 @alastorhazbin @callsignwidow @whimsicalmystic02 @mercedesdecorazon @rhaenyrathecruelwithteats @ithilwen-blackwood

Keep track of the story: Masterlist

Word Count: 3.7K

The month after Prince Jacaerys’s death was tense. Many worried about what that meant for Rhaenyra’s reign, losing her heir and not automatically naming another. Many assumed the title of Heir would go straight to the Crown Princess, although many lords were slightly against it. Others thought it would go to Prince Joffrey, and many talked about how the prince should be brought to Dragonstone to take on his lessons in becoming an heir. Although these were just speculations from the court in Dragonstone, nothing will be certain until the Queen herself decides.

The Queen and her family took this month to have a month of mourning, keeping in communication with their allies but spending most of the time mourning Jace. Aemma and Baela leaned on each other more than ever, missing the Dragon Prince terribly. It worried Aemma that Baela seemed to grow sick, as food did not sit well with her step-sister lately. Baela, in hopes of easing her grief, moved her things into Jace’s room to be closer to him; the poor girl cried every night as she lay on his, now her bed. Aemma was doing her best to be her support, but her own grief was taking a toll on her. She also had to be there for her son, Jaesys, who was growing so fast. Gone was her little babe that was placed in her arms. Now, he was a cute cubby baby with dark raven hair highlighting round cheeks and beautiful purple eyes. Aemma felt conflicted in feeling such joy at one point with her son but then struck with grief at another. Thankfully, Ben was her rock, having a similar experience from his own grief of knowing that his father, mother, and twin not being alive to love his son. He only had his aunt Aly, who was back in Harrenhal, only able to send ravens back and forth.

After a week to grieve with his wife and daughters, Daemon left to finish the rest of the triarchy fleet, leaving one lone boat to return to Essos. So, the stories of the true dragon family would make news, and the Triarchy regret ever allying with the green pretenders. Once he finished, he expressed his desire to continue holding Harrenhal for Rhaneyra, to which she agreed, not wanting to leave their allies vulnerable to an attack from the greens.

While Rhaenyra and Rhaenys held onto each other, both knowing the pain of losing two children so close to one another. Rhaenys regrets not being closer to the Prince; she saw alot of Jacaerys in little Jaesys, and it was eating her up that she was never close to the boy, for Laenor would be upset with her for not trying to have a better relationship with her grandson. Rhaenyra was drowning in her grief, another of her sweet boys taken from her. She couldn’t help but start blaming herself; she had lost two of her sweet, dark-haired boys. Both heirs in their own rights, she couldn’t help but try to find the faults in her methods of raising them; she had to fail at something, thinking that she had to be why her boys were taken. She knew she needed an heir but couldn’t bring herself to name one. She did not want to replace Jacaerys quickly, and she did not want to place the burden on her now two eldest, Aemma and Joffrey.

Rhaenyra’s inner turmoil was broken suddenly; she raised her head from her hands as she heard dragons singing. Walking to her balcony, she was greeted with a sight that made her smile slightly. Moondancer, Sliverwing, and Seasmoke danced in the air as two dragons held riders. Sliverwing took the most, with two adults and one child on her back. As the dragons passed, she frowned at Baela's pale face and furrowed brows; her stepdaughter was grappling with a sudden illness lately. It started a few days ago, and Maester Geradys had yet to find a cause. Of course, it could just be the grief taking a toll on her, she understood, going through something similar from Visenya and Lucerys. As Sliverwing passed her, Aemma slowed her dragon to greet her mother. With a small smile, she and Ben inclined their heads to show respect, with little Jaesys cooing, strapped to his mother’s chest.

Rhaenyra’s heart clenched, memories of strapping a young dark-haired baby to her chest as she rode Syrax coming to her. Tearly, she smiled back at her daughter’s family, letting them fly away from her window. Walking back, a maid told the queen that Mysaria was asking for an audience with her. Nodding, she allowed for the White Wyrm to enter her chambers.

“My Queen,” greeted Mysaria, bowing as she walked to stand infront of Rhaenyra.

“Mysaria, what can I do for you today?” asked the queen as she walked to her desk. She looked at the last letter Daemon had sent, stating how he had arrived safely in Harrenhal and was creating a war plan with House Stark, The River lords, and the Knights of the Vale.

“I was hoping to ease your turmoil in naming a new heir. The lords and your allies are growing restless,” Mysaria explained as she walked to Rhaenyra.

Rhaenyra gave a tired sigh. She hoped to have more time to consider who should be named, Aemma or Joffrey. Mysaria analyzed the queen; she looked more dejected after the death of Prince Jacaerys. Her cheekbones are more profound, and she looks skinnier. Thinking of the question, on one hand, naming Princess Aemma as heir made sense since the princess had a child herself. Although Aemma had already declared her son heir to House Blackwood, it would pressure the princess to conceive another child quickly to provide an heir for House Targaryen. Furthermore, if Aemma were named heir to the throne, House Bracken would never join the rest of the Riverlands lords in supporting Rhaenyra. Their hate for House Blackwood would override the alliance, which would cause tension because of the potential threat from the red stallions.

With Prince Joffrey, it would allow the prince more time to prepare for his role as heir, having the benefit of being hidden away from the Greens and their allies. Of course, there was the issue that Jeyne Arryn had asked Rhaenyra for Joffrey as her heir. She was Preparing Prince Joffrey to rule the Vale after her. Rhaenyra, at the time, had agreed to the terms in exchange for the safekeeping of Rhaena, Joffrey, Aegon, and little Viserys.

It was a tough choice, but the lords were already beginning to doubt Rhaenyra’s capabilities to rule. Her council's doubts would only increase if she took more time to name an heir. Clearing her throat, Mysaria explained her sympathies with the Queen’s inner struggle. She continued expressing her thoughts on the situation and advised which route she could take.

“If I may, my queen, I would advise you to send Princess Aemma to the Vale. If you need time to name an heir officially, sending the princess to the Vale will buy you time.”

Rhaenyra paused, turning to Mysaria, “how…how would that buy me time?” she questioned.

Mysaria gave a small grin, allowing herself to walk closer, “If you make enough insinuation that sending Aemma and her son to the Vale for their safety will make it seem like she has been named your heir, while if she returns to Harrenhal or Raventreehall, the lords will think you named Prince Joffrey. It's all about using your resources to your advantage.” explained Mysaria.

Rhaenyra pondered at the reasoning, slowly grinning. The plan could work; all Rhaenyra wanted to ensure was to keep her remaining children and grandson safe. Having them in the Vale far enough from the greens’ clutches would prove that. Yes, convincing Aemma would be hard, but if she leaned on Jaesys's safety and asked for Benjicot’s support, Rhaenyra knew Aemma would have difficulty countering her.

“It will be difficult to convince my daughter, but it is the best chance for her survival and ease the Lord's worries…” whispered the queen to herself.

Mysaria hummed, pressing her arms to Rhaenyra’s, “True, and if ask for help from the princess’s husband and Princess Rhaenys, I’m sure Princess Aemma would not have the heart to oppose you…much less infront of the council.”

Rhaenyra, feeling sure it was the right decision, nodded, turning to thank her master of whispers when she noticed how close the fair woman was to her. Gulping at the closeness, she noticed how Mysaria looked at her; her eyes were slightly hooded. Mysaria, feeling bold, began to close the gap as the white wyrms lips were ghostly close to the queen. A loud knock scared the women, making Rhaenyra walk away; seeing her daughter and family enter, she quickly went to greet her.

Aemma walked into her mother’s chambers. Her smile slowly fell as she noticed her mother’s nervousness and seeing Mysaria in the chambers. Aemma did not like or trust the White Wrym; ignoring the woman, she graced another smile to her mother, passing her son to the queen.

“Good morrow, Muna, were you busy?” questioned Aemma.

Rhaenyra, cooing at her grandson, shook her head, “I will never be too busy for you, my pearl or little Jaesys. Was there something you needed?”��

Aemma glanced at Ben, who smiled at his wife; reaching out to intertwine their hands, Aemma deeply inhaled.

“We received a raven from Aly Blackwood, who asked Ben to return. Kepa is planning a way to tempt Aemond out of Kingslanding. This can provide an opportunity for you and grandmother to take Kingslanding. I agree with Kepa’s thoughts; it's time we played more aggressively with the Greens.”

Rhaenyra quickly agreed to allow Benjicot to return, taking this opportunity to execute her plan.

“Yes, you will prepare for the long journey to Harrenhal to drop off your husband there…. Then you will fly to the Vale.”

Aemma was confused and worried, “Why has something happened to them…is Joffrey, Aeg…”

Rhaenyra quickly intervenes, not wanting to stress her daughter, “Your brothers and sister are fine. I want you to go to the Vale with Jaesys and remain there until the war's end.”

Aemma gasped; her mother did not honestly expect this from her.

Shaking her head, she replied, “No, I will stay at Harrenhal with my husband-”

Rhaenyra enterally groaned, knowing her daughter would fight her in the decision.

“The council is asking for a new heir, Aemma. If I were to name you my heir, the Vale would keep you and your son safe from the greens. It will be safe to be with your brothers and sister.”

Aemma stubbornly countered her mother, “If I am to be your heir, I need to stay close to reach your council; the Vale will only become a target for the greens should I reside there. My son needs to bond with his father… This war could take years, and I will not deprive Jaesys of Ben in his early years.

“You will go to the Vale..” Commanded Rhaenyra, soothing her grandson as he started to fuss, feeling the tension in the room.

“No, it is out of the question.” interrupted Aemma, growing upset that her mother wanted to separate her family again.

Mysaria strode to stand beside her queen, “My princess, your mother is being stretched thin from the pressure; let us not…”

“You are free to go, Lady Mysaria,” spoke Aemma, cutting the lady off.

Rhaenyra and Mysaria’s eyes widen in shock at the Princess’s rude tone. Glancing first at the queen, Myaria returns her gaze to the princess, subconsciously flinching at her glare.

“My princess, you may be named heir, but I apologize. I will only take orders from…”

“As Crown Princess and the possible heir to the Iron Throne, I said you are excused.” tensely commanded Aemma, staring at the White Wyrm with fury.

Mysaria opened her mouth, only to hear in the distance the growling of a dragon; as the queen and master of whispers turned to the window, they paled in seeing the yellow eyes of Sliverwing, the dragon flying outside the room, tuning into her rider’s emotions. Gulping in fear, Mysaria apologized to Aemma and quickly retreated out of the room. Aemma glared at the door momentarily, feeling her anger ease only slightly; she quickly turned to her mother.

“You are my mother and queen. I will always respect and try to follow your commands, but I will at least expect the courtesy of you consulting with me in your actions, especially those that will affect my family and myself!”

Rhaenyra huffed, her anger slowly rising to match her daughter, “I am thinking the best for you and your family. I will not risk another child being killed, and I would think you, now a mother, would understand my dilemma.”

Growling, Aemma took her son from her mother. Quickly turning, she gave Jaesys to Benjicot, who nervously took his son, stepping back from the dragon riders and not wanting to be caught in the crossfire.

“I will be following my husband back to Harrenhal. The Vale is safe for my brothers and Rhaena because they are not dragon riders yet. But I assure you once Rhaena becomes one, she will argue and strive to fight in this war. So no, I will not go to the Vale. I will stay with my husband, and I will fight. As a dragon mother, I know the importance of keeping my family safe; if need be, I will become ruthless like Daemon, for I am the Crown Princess. It is my duty to uphold and secure your rightful place in the realm. Just like Luke and Jace died in trying, they proudly gave their lives for their mother and queen. Fire and Blood are within me. Dragons are not meant to be caged. So please, Muna, don’t try to cage me now.” declared Aemma, her chest rising and falling, her emotions running rapidly.

Rhaenyra stared at her daughter, feeling her wall breaking. She crumpled, the grief and stress finally overwhelming her. She sobbed as she fell to the ground, not caring that Benjicot was in the room. How can she become a great queen when her daughter would not take her commands? She felt like she was drowning…maybe she wasn’t fit to be queen. Aemma quickly filled with guilt; she knew her mother was trying to come from the right place, and she knew the fears and the grief. As she kneeled infront of her, she took her mother into her arms. Nuzzling her cheek against Rhaenyra’s, trying to soothe her. Benjicot, feeling like he was intruding, turned his back to them, paying attention to his son and grinning at his boy’s opened eyes.

“Muna, I know you are stressed. I never want to cause you more headaches. If you truly want me as your heir, I will accept it, but as your heir, I need to be your rock to which you can lean. If you push me away, it will become harder for me to support you. Please let me take some stress from you and trust in me. I will be safe in Harrenhal; the greens would need to try to push through three dragons, a large army, and the likes of Ben, Daemon, Aly Blackwood, and Cregan Stark before reaching my son and me. Allow this, my queen, and allow our family to continue our duty to you.” whispered Aemma, hoping her mother would open her eyes and agree.

However, Rhaenyra tried to counter back, a bit weakly, “Mysaria spoke how it could be too dangerous and stressful for you, so I wanted to keep you safe.”

Aemma narrowed her eyes. She was less trusting of her mother’s master of whispers. Of course, she knew her mother would push back more if she expressed her thoughts on the woman.

“Then, ask Lady Mysaria to keep her network of spies on high alert. The minute the greens may seem planning an attack on me, I will fall back to safety.” proposed Aemma, grinning at seeing her mother turn to her, eyes considering the idea.

Rhaenyra turned to her daughter, happy that she was also seeing the beneficial potential of Mysaria in her council.

“Do you promise that the second it happens, you will go to safety with Jaesys?” the queen pleaded.

Aemma smiled, nodding to her mother. She stood up, lifting the dragon queen along with her. Benjicot, hearing them rise, turned back, smiling at his good-mother he answered for his wife.

“I assure you, my queen, the minute you send word, I will personally attach my wife and son to Sliverwing, pleading for the she-dragon to take them to safety. I will personally give up my life for the security of my family.” Benjicot pledges proudly, growing in pride, as he feels his wife’s kiss on his cheek and Rhaenyra’s joyful smile.

Overwhelmed with happiness, Rhaenyrs surprised them, taking her good son into her arms, kissing his forehead like she used to do with her sons, and thanking him for his pledge. After a moment in embrace, she stepped back, declaring the princess and lord to prepare for tomorrow’s flight back to Harrenhal.

Aemma grinned while Benjicot blushed from the Queen’s affection. Both bowed, turning to leave the queen in her chambers. Walking back to their chambers, Aemma's grin quickly slipped off. She needed to find her own spy network and fast. She couldn’t shake the uneasiness of Mysaria getting her mother’s favor so quickly. Something about that woman did not seem right. Expressing her thoughts to Ben, he, too, agreed with her concerns.

“Can you write to Aly, asking her if she could find someone from the Riverlands worthy of the job? I want to replace that woman fast.” requested Aemma.

Ben nodded, placing his son in his bassinet as he walked to the desk. He sat down to write a raven to his aunt before they left, which would allow Aly some time to think before their arrival.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day, Aemma embraced and expressed her departure to her family. Jaesys was happily cooing, strapped to her chest. Seasmoke and Sliverwing patiently waited in the background. As Aemma embraced Baela, she frowned at Baela’s state of health; fatigueness was now plaguing the Targaryen girl. As she said goodbye to her mother and grandmother, she asked for the favor of them focusing on Baela to place pressure on the Healers to find a remedy for Baela. She expressed how she was worried about Baela’s nausea and fatigue. Both women agreed, stating that after the Blackwood family left, they both would personally see that Baela was assessed until they found the reasoning behind her illness. Nodding in gratitude, Aemma walked to her family, climbing on her dragon and waiting for Ben to climb after her. Once she felt him behind her and confirmed his security, she waved to her family, commanding the two grey and sliver dragons to fly off.

The flight took about three days, and Aemma landed often to ensure her son and husband did not overexert themselves in the air for long periods. Once they reached Harrenhal, they were overwhelmed with the warm welcome from the camp. Aly practically steals Jaesys, expressing joy in the baby’s strong Blackwood genes. Making Aemma and Cregan laugh at Benji’s puffing of his chest, proudly smug that his son looked so much like him. The four walked back to Benjicot’s large tent, with Aemma and Ben sitting on their marriage bed while Cregan sat beside Aly on some chair across from them. Cregan smiled as he looked at the babe. Yes, Jaesys looked much like his father, but he also saw some of Jace in him. Gulping in sorrow, he thought of the man he considered his brother.

After a moment of peace, Aemma questioned Alyssane if she had any luck with her request. Aly tilted her head, glancing at Cregan, who nodded at his betrothed.

“I did some investigating, but ultimately, I could not find someone who I could be 100% sure would be fully committed and loyal to that position. From your concerns about Mysaria, I brought them up with Cregan, and he had an interesting thought,” explained Aly, turning to the wolf lord.

Cregan straightened up, looking at the girl he considered his sister, “Aemma if you are truly worried about people not being fully loyal to you or your mother, then I would suggest someone in your family take that position.”

Aemma nodded. She, too, thought of looking into her own family, but the only ones who weren’t too far or overrun with duties were Baela and Alyn. But considering Baela’s new health problems, she did not want to ask her. Then, with Alyn, Aemma had yet to bond with him to grow trust in him fully. Unlike Addam, she still did not feel close to her new uncle. She needed someone fully established in her trust. Cregan grinned as she expressed her thoughts, feeling like it was going in the right direction.

“Yes, but you also forgot someone else… What about Ben.” proposed Cregan, smirking as Benjicot turned to him in confusion.

“Sorry, but I’m not exactly known for my subtly. I also don’t have many connections around the realm and wouldn’t do well in that position.” countered Ben.

Aly and Cregan shared a secret glance, causing Aemma and Ben to grow more confused.

‘Sure you do, Ben. You have your ravens from Raventree Hall... ' Aly excitedly stated. Ben grew frustrated, not understanding what his aunt clearly knew.

“What does our raven have to do with a spy network?” growled Ben, feeling a headache coming in.

Aemma also frowned, not liking how Aly and Cregan teased her frustrated husband. Grabbing his hand and placing it on her lap, she asked them to speak plainly.

Aly and Cregan nodded, following their princess’s demand.

“Where was House Blackwood originally from, Ben,” quizzed Aly.

Benjicot raised an eyebrow at the history question, “We were from the North, our house marrying again every few generations from northern house to keep our proud heritage from the First Men.”

Cregan smiled, “Yes, and House Blackwood, like many Northern houses, has magic flowing through its veins—just like the Valyrian houses have their magic in their veins.”

“Yes, and?” Questioned Ben, not fully understanding.

“So considering we have First Men blood flowing through our veins…What do you know of warging?” asked the Lord of Winterfell.

This caused Benjicot to gape at the Lord of Winterfell; was he considering that?

#benjicot blackwood #fanfic #house of the dragon #benjicot blackwood/oc #thedragonandtheraven #hotd #hotd fanfic #Princess Aemma Velayron (oc)

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the20thangel · 5 days

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The Dragon and The Raven Chapter 15: Luring the Beast.

Chapter Summary: Team Black prepares a more offensive approach as Harrenhal and the riverlords prepare to support their queen. Aemma and Benjicot realize their son is the future and make a difficult decision to ensure his safety.

Word Count: 2.1k

Taglist: @poppyflower-22 @alastorhazbin @callsignwidow @whimsicalmystic02 @mercedesdecorazon @rhaenyrathecruelwithteats @ithilwen-blackwood

Masterlist

The morning after brought new energy to Benjicot, who retold the dream to his family. Alysanne's and Aemma's hearts squeezed with bittersweet happiness, knowing their departed family was guiding and watching for them. Cregan, feeling energized as well, continued to work hard in the warging process for the Raven lord. As the week progressed, Benjicot finally made the process, feeling the sensations of winds flowing around him.

Aemma was also glad, feeling that everything was aligning in their favor. As Benjicot and Cregan continued their quest, Aemma was placed in her father’s war council in Harrenhal, ensuring the allies her beloved brother brought stayed faithful to their promises of supporting her mother’s cause. Their plan was to find a way to lure Aemond away from Kingslanding, leaving the usurper and the greens vulnerable to her mother. Aemma agreed that everyone from the greens should be tried as traitors with the exception of Heleana and her two surviving children. They were innocent, but she was finding it hard to receive support. Many believed that if they left Heleana and her children alone, the Greens would utilize Prince Maleor or Princess Jaehaera for the Green’s cause. It did not help that many wanted to continue with the line a son for a son. Since Prince Jacaerys was killed, the Greens should also lose another prince. Aemma angrily protested; she would not have her mother be branded as a kinslayer or allow her mother’s reign to be tainted like the green were willing to stoop down to.

Since the council could not reach an agreement, they decided to move on again to discuss how to lure Aemond away from the capital.

“What if we have the princess fly with her dragon and lure the one-eyed prince out?” proposed a Riverland lord, who then gulped once a crowd turned to glare at him.

The most intense glares came from Benjicot, Alysanne, and Daemon. Daemon cooly looked at the lord.

“You want to send my heir and daughter on a mission that could very much kill her and create another succession crisis? Hmm?” questioned Daemon, his eyes hardening as the cowardly lord gulped and lowered his head in shame.

Aemma sighed, “I don’t think I am enough to entice Aemond away from Kingslanding; he has never really paid attention to me… we need someone he sees as a rival or threat…” she started.

At the same time, Benjicot froze, allowing his sight to travel, and he used a nearby crow to travel to Kingslanding. The blackbird landed on an open window, peeking into the room. There, he saw the Kinslayer arguing with the council. Aemond was unedged and restless, wanting to take a more offensive approach towards them. Allowing himself to return, he leaned to Aemma and whispered in her ear.

Aemma nodded in gratitude. She felt reenergized by the new information and turned to her father’s council.

“Aemond has always been restless, wanting to prove how “Targaryen” he is and how he should have been the green’s chosen heir, not Aegon. We need to consider his insecurities. Utilize them to tempt, blind him in his stupid rage, and lead him away from the capital. This will allow our allies and my mother to take Kingslanding and place them in her rightful arms.” She tauntedly explained, growing happier as she saw the rest of the lords wholeheartedly agreeing with her.

Daemon grinned at his daughter. Like her birth father, Laenor, she always knew how to manipulate the crowds with wordplay. He added the cruelness to her strengths; he couldn’t be more proud.

Feeling assured, he stood, relishing how the crowd quieted and placed their attention on him.

“My daughter is right. Aemond is a rabid boy who thinks more highly of himself than he should. If he feels so Targaryen, I will gladly knock him down from his high horse. Send whispers of my taunts towards the capital; I’m calling upon him to prove himself infront of me. If he thinks he is worthy, he should come to face me like a true dragon rider. Caraxes and I will enjoy the challenge the little boy will give us. Let us adjourn; I must prepare for the battle. Aemma, send word to your mother, let her know of the plan, and ask her to prepare for her siege. Kingslanding will soon be placed back to the rightful heir of my brother. It’s time to finally honor and make true King Visery's last wishes.”

As Daemon departed, the hall exploded with cheers for their King, consort, and Queen. Everyone stood to bow or curtsey as they left the hall to prepare for the battle, making sure the riders went to spread the whispers. Let the game begin.

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Once they returned to their tent, Aemma quickly wrote the letter to her mother, outlining the plan and praying for her safety. As Ben watched her finish writing the letter, he took Jaesys from the handmaiden.

Jaesys was growing more and more beautiful by the moon. After five moons, their son was finally expressing his ever-growing personality. His round purple eyes ideally give the illusion of sweet innocence, which works in the little heir's favor whenever he decides to use it as a disguise for his sneakiness. Even at such a young age, the little one tries to avoid his nurses by rolling away from them. This always makes everyone laugh, but Aemma and Ben know that once their son starts to crawl, the handmaidens and servants will have difficulty keeping an eye on their son. Nevertheless, everyone volunteers to watch over the sweet boy, no matter the circumstances.

Seeing Aemma finish, Ben traded his son for the letter, tying it on the foot of a raven.

“Ben… how comfortable are you with your warging?” asked Aemma, kissing her son and enjoying Jaesys’s giggles.

Ben cocked his head to the side, “Stronger by the day, my love…why?”

Aemma rose and walked to her husband, “I don’t trust that our raven will arrive in my mother’s hands on its own. I fear Mysaria has been worming her way; I don’t trust her motives. Could you warg to the raven and ensure our letter reaches my mother’s hand?” she pleaded, knowing what she was asking was a huge favor.

Ben pondered. The farthest he had let his sight travel was to Kingslanding, and even then, it was for a short period.

“I’m not sure I will be able to… the most I can assure you is to check in with the raven constantly, and once it reaches Dragonstone, warg fully to hand the letter to your mother.” Ben proposed.

Aemma grinned and kissed his cheek, " Thank you, my Raven. I appreciate everything you have been doing lately."

Ben flushed from his princess's pretty words. Placing a sweet kiss on Aemma's lips, he replied, "I will always support you, Aemma. You have stolen my heart, and I want to ensure a future where I grow old with you.

Tearliy Aemma returned the kiss; she could imagine that future. She and Benjicot, old and grey, sit with their grandchildren under the weirwood tree in Raventree Hall.

As the princess and lord share their loving moment, they break out from it with little Jaesys cooing in the background. Grinning, the little family walked out of their tent, meeting with Aly and Cregan to continue preparing for the upcoming battle.

Once they met up with them, they decided that Aemma would hide with Sliverwing on standby. Aemma knew Daemon would want to face Aemond alone, but she was still worried; she could not handle another loss. So a plan was made that she would only appear once she saw an ounce of struggle from Caraxes. Her memories of Meleys death and the near death of her grandmother were still fresh in the Crown Princess’s mind.

Alysanne then changed the subject to little Jaesys: “What about Jaesys? Where will he stay during the battle?”

Aemma and Benjicot both turned to each other, remembering Rhaenyra’s concerns. As much as both parents wanted their son to stay with them, they both knew realistically that keeping him in camp was not a smart move. It left the little Prince vulnerable to the enemy to attack and harm the raven-haired prince.

Aemma gulped sadly as she kissed her son’s cheek. “If Ben agrees…I think I will be flying to Vale soon. I will plea to Lady Jeyne to host Jaesys and Seasmoke, at least until it's safe for him to return.” she explained, looking at Ben.

Benjicot stared at his son, fondly tracing the boy’s chubby cheeks. He sighed as he raised his eyes to his aunt, “I agree with Aemma; the Vale is far from any battles taking place soon, and with Seasmoke, the Eyrie will become the safest place for him and the remaining princes and princess.”

Agreeing, the four stared at the future of House Targaryen and House Blackwood; the little prince unknowingly held a heavy burden to continue the line of both houses—a burden that his parents did not want to impose upon him yet, for he was just a babe.

The next day, six people stood infront of two gray dragons. As Aemma turned to her family, she allowed everyone to say goodbye to little Jaesys, who tiredly blinked back at his family. Daemon waited for Benjicot to kiss his son and wife, wishing them a swift and safe journey before walking forward. Taking his grandson in his arms, he held the raven-haired boy in his arms and kissed the babe’s crown. He whispered his love to him and promised the babe that soon. A monster would be wiped out of existence to finally put an end to the torment he afflicted on their family so that Jaesys could return with his aunt and uncles to their rightful home. Giving Jaesys back to his mother’s arms, he took Aemma into his arms, kissing her brow and expressing his love.

Aemma smiled and returned a kiss to her father’s cheek. Daemon then took out four letters and handed them to Aemma, asking her to deliver them to her brothers and sister. Agreeing, Aemma took the letters and climbed up on her dragon. Waving goodbye, Aemma commanded both dragons to fly.

Sliverwing and Seasmoke sang as they took flight, going in a circle before turning towards the direction of the Vale and setting forth their destination, leaving behind three raven-haired and one sliver-haired to stare from the ground, watching as the dragons disappeared in the distance.

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In Kingslanding, Lord Larys Strong quickly went to where he was told Prince Aemond was spending time with his mother, Queen Heleana, and her children. Entering, he saw the Prince talking to Prince Maelor as the Dowager Queen and the young princess tried to converse with Queen Heleana, who was mutely sewing something.

Ever since her first-born death, Larys could see that the Queen was slowly being enveloped in her grief. It is a sad sight, but unfortunately, he has no remedy for grief. Clearing his throat to make his presence known, he bowed before the royal family and turned his attention to Prince Aemond.

“My Prince, the war council is being called upon. Daemon has been spreading … rumors about you and your…character,” explained Larys as he saw Queen Alicent freeze at the name of the Rouge Prince.

Aemond raised an unimpressed brow as he rose, walking towards the door, “Oh? Let’s see what my ailing uncle has been saying about me?”

As the two men walked away. Alicent stood and followed them.

“Wait, My lord, Aemond, let me join you… I wish to hear what that man has been saying about you, an actual Targaryen prince…. He has no shame-”

“There is no need, mother. The war council is no place for a woman. Stay with Heleana and the children instead. If you wish to support us, go to the castle’s sept and pray to the seven for our victory; that is the place for a woman.”

With that, Aemond walked out of the room with Larys. Leaving behind Alicent, who felt a cold shock fall upon her as she sat down. An ugly feeling clawed up her throat in disgust at how easily Aemond pushed her away. Did her son not remember the years she spent inside the council when Visery was ill? Did all that work and dedication mean nothing? How could they just push her away?

Seeing her mother’s internal conflict, Heleana sighed as she somberly left with her two children following her. She would pray for Lucerys, Jacaerys, and her sweet boy, Jaehaerys. They deserved her prayers, not Aemond. For this, Aemond was not her beloved brother; this was a beast that would soon perish beneath the god’s eye.

#benjicot blackwood #thedragonandtheraven #house of the dragon #benjicot blackwood/oc #hotd fanfic

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