It takes him a moment. The request is so unexpected that for a moment he misinterprets it, thinking Sagramore means he will have what Luo Binghe has to offer, what he gave him before. Then he is glad he's already hiding his face, unsure how to react. It would be different from play at submission with his wives; it would be exactly what he's feared. But when he thinks of himself with Shen Qingqiu, in the same circumstances, he feels a hot shiver of desire. He doesn't want to go into it unprepared.

There is no part of him capable of admitting to inexperience or insecurity.¹ He escalates instead, propping himself up on his forearms to look up at Sagramore from under his lashes. "To have the emperor in his own chambers, in his own bed. No one would believe it—the emperor himself spreading his legs for you."

¹But it won't be too surprising if Sagramore guesses.</I