The Empress

Elisabeth arrives in Vienna for her wedding. Soon enough she faces palace intrigue while Franz attempts to protect his country from going to war.

Sophie and the council push for military action, but Franz refuses to engage. Elisabeth upsets the czars son, leading to severe political consequences.

Elisabeth spends her time partying with Maximilian while Franz is desperate to reconcile with her. Leontine gets herself into a precarious situation.

Franz sends Maximilian on a diplomatic mission to make an ally of Napoleon III. Sophie schemes to sideline Elisabeth and take charge of her children.

As Leontine asks Alexander to abscond together, he makes a shocking discovery. A visit to Hungary brings tragedy to Franz and Elisabeth.

As the Austrian Empire plunges into war, Elisabeth fights to keep her family together. Sophie discovers the consequences of her actions.