Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Samuel 14:15

"Now therefore seeing that I am come to speak this word unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now speak unto the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his servant." — 2 Samuel 14:15 (ASV)

The people have made me afraid - She still pretends that her plea was a real one, and that she was in fear of the people (“the whole family,” 2 Samuel 14:7) attacking her and her son.