A NETFLIX SERIES
Lord.
Guide us through the darkness
and lead us into the light.
Show us who is good
and who wishes evil.
Your Highness?
It's time.
The Emperor
fights for us
and our beloved Austrian Empire.
He shows us the way.
With strength
and wisdom,
the Emperor protects us
and our Empire from dark powers
that wish to subvert it.
And now,
Almighty God has sent him a bride.
Elisabeth.
She is to be like an island
in the midst of a raging storm.
Her bosom shall provide our divine Emperor refuge.
For demonic forces are at work out there
that wish to devour
our beloved Empire.
But this alliance,
Franz and Elisabeth,
will protect us.
It will shine
for eternity.
By the grace of God,
I declare you
husband and wife.
Elisabeth!
Imperial couple!
-Hold still! -Back!
Hold still, I said!
Back!
Stay back!
We need reinforcements!
Stay back!
Can't you hear? Back! Get back!
Back!
Your visitor, Imperial Highness.
You are late.
Thank you for the invitation.
Your Imperial Highness.
You always add a little colour to a dreary evening like this one.
But from here on, you're on your own.
I'll manage fine.
Care to tell me your plans?
To meet new friends. To see old ones again.
Why so nervous? You've never been to a ball?
I have, but I am not as jaded as some people are.
What's the problem with you, Leontine?
A lady from such a noble house in her prime.
Why are you not married?
I have to meet a man at court.
I have seven sisters. Father says five must marry.
-Or else he'll hang himself. -I'm not looking for a husband.
What are you looking for?
As I hear, you had a visitor last night.
Your Imperial Highness, the Foreign Minister.
At this hour? Today?
Your Highness, I beg your pardon. It's an emergency.
Speak.
The Russians have greatly increased their troops on our border.
We've heard they're crossing it. It's a threat.
The Russian army is on Habsburg soil?
I know you and the Tsar are old friends, but…
Even the oldest friendship ends. A border violation is unforgivable.
We must inform the Emperor.
What's happening now?
The court will dance in our honour. We dance at the end of the evening.
Didn't they tell you? It was cancelled.
So you don't embarrass yourself.
She actually looks like an empress. However did you do that, Mother?
Did you see? The people immediately adored her.
You wanted them to calm down, not to get riled up like dogs in heat.
-You're exaggerating. -That's just what I see.
No, Maximilian.
You see what is in your own heart.
Do you know that woman there?
Which one?
Who is that?
I don't know her.
We have problems at the border. We must speak at once.
Pardon me.
Where did the Emperor run off to so quickly?
Bring her some fruit. She looks so pale.
I always knew Elisabeth was something very special.
We just need to find one for you now, Helene.
Countess?
-I'd like to make a request. -Certainly, Your Majesty.
I'd like my sister to stay with me at court.
You want to stay?
But you have such wonderful company already.
She is my sister. I don't trust anyone more than her.
Really?
And I'd like to stay.
She'll be in charge of my royal household. Or is that a problem?
This is a clear provocation.
Stringing Tsar Nicholas along was a mistake.
Caving into him now would be an even bigger one.
I won't let him push me into this war.
I would like to urgently beseech you
to let the French and Russian ambassadors know whose side we're taking.
And remember our responsibility to the people in the border regions.
So your heart bleeds for a few Romanian peasants? Please.
Majesty, you know I have excellent connections to the French.
I can speak to them and form an alliance.
No, the most important thing is to reinforce our troops at the border now.
At least 250,000 men.
Tell the ambassadors I will make a decision.
This evening.
Shall we continue our discussion in private, Your Majesty?
Please leave me alone.
Maximilian, you stay.
You invited Countess Gundemann?
Louise? She's here?
Stop this.
This is tasteless, even for you.
I knew nothing about it. Really.
Theo, see to it the Countess is shown out.
No.
Just keep an eye on her.
I don't want a scandal.
What do you still care about this old story?
Louise is old news.
Or is she not?
You want to be my confidant and make passes at my bride behind my back.
That's not how it was.
She simply accepted my invitation. I invited you as well.
Starting now, you'll stay out of my affairs.
Stay away from her and everything.
Bringing you back to Vienna was a mistake.
Destroying things is all you can do.
Please.
Your Majesty?
The gentlemen have just arrived.
I've been looking for you.
I was wondering how long it'd take for the nanny to arrive.
I wanted to see if I can do anything for you.
Well, since you ask, Theo,
tell me,
who is the most powerful man at this party tonight?
His Majesty, of course.
Even the Emperor needs something from someone.
I'm afraid I can't help you there.
Now don't act so innocent. You know everything.
No one knows him better than you.
What happened at the church? It didn't look like it was under control.
We made several arrests.
However, some neighbourhoods are getting restless.
We're hearing of pubs where liberal propaganda is circulating
and insurgents are gathering.
If you order, I will undertake decisive action tonight.
On a joyous day such as this?
How would that look?
Countess, is there a problem?
She wants her sister to stay here.
As the head of her royal household.
I think it would be a great mistake.
Your Imperial Highness?
I'll think of something.
And you.
Arrest as many as you wish,
but tomorrow morning, you'll pardon 50 who we imprisoned long ago.
As a wedding gift for the Emperor.
Very well, Imperial Highness.
Did you hear? They say there were arrests at the church.
-Arrests? For what reason? -Someone offended the Majesties' honour.
We don't speak of such things on such a happy day.
They say living conditions in Vienna are bad.
Many are starving.
Those are rumours.
Speaking of starving, all I ate for three months was carrots with salt
to fit into this dress, but it was worth it.
That must be why the champagne is going to your head so fast.
You have no idea.
You showed us all what you think of marriage. Now stop.
-I'm not doing this out of protest. -You're not?
Then why are you chasing every woman?
Because you don't want me.
Don't make a fool of yourself.
Who is that?
She won't stop staring at me.
Do you know that woman?
No, I'm sorry.
But of course!
Isn't she Countess Gundemann, with whom His Majesty…
A misunderstanding, Majesty.
If you'll excuse me, I'd like to speak to the Emperor.
-Majesty, we'll accompany you. -She wants to be alone.
The Empress is never alone. It's not allowed.
-Franz Liszt is back. -Franz Liszt.
Where is he? I don't see him.
Franz?
Are you here?
Your Majesty.
My congratulations.
Why were you staring at me at the ball?
-Are you always this direct? -Whenever I can.
How does it feel?
Being newly married?
Like yesterday,
only in white.
I knew we would get along.
Are you married?
-I've managed to avoid it so far. -Do you know the Emperor?
You know,
at this court, everyone has their own little task.
Serves their purpose.
What purpose do you serve?
I take care of entertainment.
I'm here now.
Whatever once was is now over.
This castle also has a plan for you.
It changes people.
It creeps inside them.
Until even you have to play your little part.
Your Majesty.
So you want a loan for a new railway?
Don't we already have one?
His Majesty is convinced better access to the Empire
would improve the level of satisfaction in the remote areas.
-He wants to unite our people. -Forgive me, Majesty. Who is he again?
Alexander von Bach, my interior minister and closest adviser.
The conditions in many parts of the Empire are intolerable.
Hence all the rebellion. This railway means more trade and wealth.
Majesty, where is your mother? I'd like to introduce her to my son.
Simon will take over my businesses one day.
Just as your son will do one day.
Gentlemen, the situation is very grave.
The other European states are leaving us behind.
-Thank you. -It's not just a railway investment, it's…
Yes, sir.
You are investing in a better future for the people of the Habsburg Empire.
Do you plan to build up the military? As an ally of England and France?
-Investing in troops could interest us. -How would these troops get to the border?
What about their rations?
The eastern border is over 1,000 kilometres away.
We need this railway for everything.
Including war.
Your Majesty, the Empress.
Pardon the interruption.
Majesty, what a wonderful surprise.
And what a great honour.
May I speak with you-- Your Majesty for a moment?
It must wait.
It's very important.
I said later.
Of course.
If I may, the Empress is ravishing.
Do you still remember your wedding night, Sina?
Probably better than you do, von Eskeles.
Yes, Majesty, we thank you so much for these excellent cigars,
but I fear our bank can't help you.
With your permission.
Come along, Simon.
I always get sick riding on trains.
Shit.
Huhu!
Did you lose your empress? Yet again?
Her Majesty is taking a walk.
Your Highness, I am Charlotte von Stubenberg.
My cousin served with you in the navy.
Maybe you remember him. He has only one ear.
And you are?
Not interested in being the next to lose her job because of you.
It might be worth it.
In my experience, it never is.
Who's that man there?
He looks very interesting.
That is the French ambassador.
Good evening.
Your Imperial Highness.
It's a pleasure to see you again.
The pleasure is all mine. What an enchanting party.
It's nothing compared to your costume ball last year.
I know you have an urgent discussion with my brother.
With respect, Emperor Napoleon has shown the Habsburgs much patience.
But now it is time for His Majesty,
your emperor, to decide what side he is on.
He pays a high price for his peace.
Oh, please.
It's not about peace to him.
How so?
If France and Russia tear each other apart,
who will ultimately reign supreme in Europe?
My brother calls it peace,
but he profits from your war by staying out of it.
Did you miss me?
Say it.
I wanted you to see him.
The man he has become.
The young woman for whom this huge palace was too small,
who wanted to change everything, is she still there?
I don't know.
And now?
You have a new Empress. What will become of you?
Maybe I'll do something I've always wanted to do.
Then come.
Let us go away from here. Tomorrow morning.
How silly of me.
You'll never leave this place.
Habsburg.
That is your great love.
But there can be only one Empress.
Attention!
The Empress!
Can't you act normally for once?
What does that mean, "normal"?
Are the people in there normal?
You know what I mean.
Come on in.
It's almost like at home.
But that's not where we are.
I beg your forgiveness, Your Serene Highness, but…
you know what I'm like.
You act like an asshole and call it freedom.
So that's how it is.
They've already changed you.
Someone bring me my gun!
We have to shoot you now.
Can't you just be happy for me?
Happy?
About what?
Shall we ask your sister what she thinks of all this?
And now she's supposed to look after you,
even though she loves him too.
I want you to leave.
Take Mother too. I don't want to see you here again.
You'll never be yourself again as long as you're in there.
But you got your emperor, didn't you?
You can't have it all, Elisabeth!
Your Majesty.
I congratulate you on your marriage.
Pardon me, have we met?
We haven't.
I'm an old friend of your mother's. Gustav of Vasa, Your Majesty.
Of Vasa?
You're a Swede?
Yes, but I left my homeland many years ago.
-The war with Napoleon? -Worse. Problems with family.
You don't say.
My sister…
Let's just say it's better if there are some mountains between us.
Similar with my brother and me.
These days, no palace is big enough for both of us.
I can't imagine that.
As kids, when your brother couldn't sleep, you sat with him in bed.
So the monsters wouldn't get him.
If you would please excuse me.
Wait.
How do you know that about my brother and me?
Your mother told me.
Your Majesty?
Baron von Sina has requested a last-minute audience with you.
You were expecting my father, right?
To be honest, yes.
He doesn't want to accept it,
but I already decide what investments and loans we make.
I think your plans are correct.
The Industrial Revolution coming to the Habsburgs is overdue.
I am happy to hear that.
However,
and with all due respect,
your family has a reputation for spending more money than it has.
Magnificent party, by the way.
As you may know, I'm not known for wasting my money on wars or castles.
Everyone builds themselves a monument eventually.
You have my word.
And that is not enough.
Or so I thought.
But there is someone who could convince me to trust you.
And as I've heard,
you already know each other.
My congratulations, Majesty.
How lovely to see you.
I thank you, Countess.
On Monday, I'll send you a proposal for the loan.
Shall we?
Yes.
This is incredible.
This is fantastic.
We have the money!
-Well, you have the money, Your Majesty. -What money?
Tell the ambassadors I will ally with no one.
But instead?
I will renew our empire.
And I will build a railway first.
-You can't be serious. -Majesty, I think this is a great mistake.
You can't possibly pawn our empire off to those dogs!
For a toy!
Where did you suddenly get this idea?
If you'll excuse me, it's time for the dance with my bride.
If the Empire crumbles,
I will hang you first.
Imperial Highness, au revoir.
I will travel to Paris tonight.
Napoleon must know your brother's stance.
Please send Napoleon my regards.
I very much hope our two nations will soon be close allies.
That would require a new emperor.
If you have someone in mind.
We looked everywhere for you. The entire court was worried.
We thought someone abducted you.
The Emperor had to wait so long. The guests too.
Your Majesty.
Helene.
Your Majesty.
My congratulations.
Thank you.
You look enchanting, Helene.
If I may say so.
Thank you.
I expect they whisper that I should scratch your eyes out.
Let them whisper.
I'm glad you wish to stay with Elisabeth for a while.
There you are.
Is something wrong?
You already know everything.
Say the word and we'll make sure that countess never comes here again.
Thank you. That's unnecessary.
Everyone wants a piece of you. Don't let it unsettle you.
Learn who you can trust.
Is it right for Helene to stay at court?
Or is it selfish of me?
There's no simple answer to that question.
Please.
If you're asking if she's loyal to you, yes.
But if she's still hurt…
How would you feel, my dear?
We have a dear cousin in Bohemia. We'll arrange a trip for her.
She deserves a break from your parents, don't you think?
Yes.
How was your evening?
Is everything all right?
You wretched little traitor, you!
Did you make these flyers?
Your Majesties, now for the most important part of the evening.
The wedding night.
Without successful consummation tonight, the marriage is not valid.
The act must be performed.
You will wear this gown for the entire duration.
Do not take it off.
Pain is normal.
It is best if you lie still and let everything take its course.
This union is not in the service of pleasure.
This union is for God.
For the Holy Habsburg Empire.
I lied to you.
I know that woman.
She told me that.
It ended. Long ago.
She won't accept it.
I felt like a fool the whole night.
I'm sorry.
They all treat me like I can't even count to three.
Everyone wants to get into my head.
Like my brother?
Be careful with him, that's all.
Anything else?
No.
This nightgown…
I can't take it off or I'll go to hell.
What are you doing?
It's calming.
We can do this.
Together.
Then don't desert me again.
I promise.
I'm going to rest for a moment.
I'm sorry they sent us away from the court so soon.
They don't know what she's like at all.
None of them know what she's really like.
You always said she's not all there.
Like me.
But she is stronger than I am.
And she gets that from you.
Don't be sad, Helene.
I'm not, Mother.
From now on, this is her journey.
I heard the Prince of Vasa has departed.
It's better that way, and you know that.
-He caused us so much trouble. Remember? -What if it's true?
That my time is over?
What are you doing?
Good night, Your Imperial Highness.