Phoebe's POV
Mason's face went pale. Her eyes widened in shock, mouth opening as if she wanted to argue, but no words came out.
The way I stared at her wasn't my usual gentle look. I let my determination show through my gaze.
"Mason, please. Give me time. Your goal is to stop the war, right? You don't need to wage a civil war against the king. You know more blood will spill if that happens." I reached for her hand, meeting her eyes directly. "Please, I just need time. Can you give me that?"
"What am I supposed to tell the people in the Movement?"
Mason dropped her head, refusing to meet my gaze. I could feel her sense of betrayal.
"You can persuade them to give me time, and I'll do everything I can to convince the king to end the war."
I squeezed her hands tighter. "There's no need for more bloodshed. War always claims lives."
"But it might be for a greater cause."
I shook my head firmly. "No cause is great enough to justify someone's death."
