A Devious Exchange

Ever since her father died to illness, Josephine Williams felt inclined to take on the role of providing for her family. Together, they have survived amongst the many living in the poorest sector of the Helacian Empire during the birth of the 19th century. When she thinks the most of her troubles are over, from marriage proposals to working late nights at the local saloon, a sudden call to the king has her head spinning on what is real and what is not.

The tale of a kingdom's downfall from a cheated trade stirs for a reawakening, where Josephine must go on a quest to make an exchange of her own, to free her family from the royal's hand. However, what if the dealer isn't who she thought they were? With a handsome captain offering his assistance, to a surging rebellion reminding her time is running out, she must decide on whether to go against the royal's wishes or betray the very being she has grown fiery feelings towards.

The question probes, "Is it worth bargaining for?"