A NETFLIX SERIES
SIX YEARS EARLIER
Faster, faster!
Go, go!
We'll leave Vienna until the fighting is over.
The revolution will devour us if we don't act.
It's over for your uncle, the Emperor.
Your time has come, Franz.
-But Father is next in line. -No.
Your father is as weak as his brother.
Have no fear.
We'll do it together.
You and I.
Keep going!
Good morning, Your Majesty. You were dreaming.
Thank you.
The cabinet is awaiting His Majesty and you for a special meeting
regarding the Russian crisis.
Furthermore, I am happy to inform you
that the Empress has not bled in 30 days.
There is every reason to hope she is pregnant.
Then see to it that hope becomes certainty and she was worth all the trouble.
The honeymoon phase is over.
You must stop staring at me the whole night like an owl.
Not even two months, and you've had enough of me?
Yes, actually.
But?
The food here is exquisite.
And the view.
The gentlemen await you.
The ministers.
I'm sorry.
Is it about Russia?
My regiment will be here soon too.
Three, two, one.
Countess Esterhazy.
Good morning, Your Majesty.
I hope you rested well.
-Good morning, Your Majesty. -Good morning, Your Majesty.
Today's supposed to be sunny.
We could cut flowers again. Or continue our embroidery.
Countess, you know I love your raw egg, but could I maybe have coffee today?
You last bled a month ago,
and we're full of hope, Majesty, that it worked this time.
It'll just happen, don't you think? Have some faith, Countess.
If, God forbid, anything happened to His Majesty
and there were no heirs to the throne, the Empire would face a war of succession.
So, if you ask me, no.
The future of Habsburg will not "just happen."
Today, I brought you something else.
What is that?
The placenta of a woman who just bore her eighth son.
I beg your pardon, Your Majesty.
Pardon me, Countess.
We have to ensure we get an heir to the throne, do we not?
What if I have a girl?
A girl
cannot rule.
The French stopped responding.
Since your wedding, Your Majesty, they've severed diplomatic relations.
I cannot explain what has upset Napoleon so much.
Did the Tsar read my letter?
The time for friendly diplomacy has expired for good.
You can no longer abide this escalation, Your Majesty.
We must reinforce our troops.
On both borders. Right now.
I fear we can't afford that.
We need a railway.
There's still enough to defend our empire, Mother.
We wouldn't have to defend it if we exhibit strength now.
I will not engage in a senseless militarization.
There is another way.
Can't you make contact with St. Petersburg or Paris?
You're my highest-ranking diplomat, not a damn stable boy!
Any other suggestions?
No?
We'll invite the Tsar's son to Vienna.
Alexander? He is not on the throne yet.
That's not a good idea.
Nicholas would see that as another provocation.
I am sure Alexander will do things differently than his father.
I can speak to him about the future.
That will be all.
What's my brother doing here? You know I don't want him here.
He's bored.
You know how dangerous he can be when he's bored.
Give him something to do.
I'll take over.
Your Majesty.
Scared?
Not allowed to bed your bride tonight? Or to what do I owe the honour?
Show me if your short legs are as fast as your tongue.
Is that it?
Do you want to kill me?
You've changed since the wedding, Maxi.
You told me to stay out of things, so I am.
-Since when do you do what you're told? -Do you think I'm here to entertain you?
To play the clown, like before? Go to hell.
Don't act as if I'm to blame for your misery!
You aren't happy at court and never were!
You think you know me so well?
Then tell me I'm wrong.
It was selfish to call you back.
You need something of your own.
Chief Commander of the Imperial Austrian Navy.
What do you say?
Are you trying to fool me?
Our navy? I know our navy.
Two ports, eight worm-infested rowboats. It's a joke.
Then tell me what you want.
Make me Governor of Bohemia.
Or at least Tyrol.
A real responsibility.
You're no statesman, Maxi.
So that's how it is.
An empire from here to the Carpathians, and you can't share it.
You're afraid I'll take something from you.
It's always been that way.
Do you know when you take something from someone?
When you're given nothing.
Good luck with Russia.
Did you hear Prince Ferdinand of Kinsky
asked Princess Marie of Lichtenstein for her hand?
The Prince of Kinsky?
He was almost taken by the Princess of Auersperg.
Exactly!
You don't say.
Hold the needle with two fingers, Leontine.
That makes it easier.
Charlotte, will you hand me the scissors?
Charlotte?
That's a Schwarzenberg, Charlotte.
One of the best families in the Empire.
Forget about it.
Shit.
I beg your pardon.
You curse better than you embroider.
I wonder what's more important in life.
-Tea, ladies. -Thank you.
Is this how you imagined life at court?
What do you mean by that?
I always dreamed of life in a big city.
Don't you wonder how things are out there? Beyond the gates?
Yes, Leontine, you never tell us about yourself.
Your home. Your family.
The Emperor!
Your Majesty.
I have a little time. Shall we go for a walk?
I have a better idea.
Don't look at me. Over there.
Take off your shirt.
Your trousers too.
Don't smile so much.
I look like that?
Yes, I know.
I have to look at it every day.
How does it feel?
Do you know why he tried to kill you?
Because he had nothing to lose.
Kempen said they caught everyone involved in the attack.
But that's not what matters.
People are still unhappy.
So many live in poverty.
Franz.
You can change all that.
I know it.
I hear you two went for a swim.
He looks very happy, Elisabeth. And that makes me very happy.
Thank you.
I know sharing him with everyone isn't easy.
That's not how it feels. He tells me everything.
And I hear there is reason for hope?
You'll have a task of your own soon.
Did you have a nice morning?
I saw you in the park with the ladies again.
Did you hide in the bushes to watch us?
How many handkerchiefs do you have now?
One for each lady who cries her eyes out over you.
So you're doing well?
Contrary to your prediction, yes. Splendidly.
The Tsar's son is passing through Bavaria on his way from Hessen.
Prepare a letter.
Franz?
If we send a messenger, he could be here this weekend.
Not enough time to prepare a fitting reception.
-We'll have to postpone. -This is a unique opportunity.
Not enough time. It would be an undignified reception.
Dumplings!
-Then we will have to hurry. -This is ridiculous.
If it's not perfect, it'd be a disgrace.
Maybe a grand reception isn't necessary.
What do you mean, Elisabeth?
Maybe something more intimate will do.
"More intimate"?
My father always discussed important matters while hunting.
A hunt is a wonderful idea.
We could visit Father at Auhof.
Out of the question.
If you want to talk in peace, without the circus,
it might be the right choice.
"Circus"?
He should know we're not trying to impress him, should he not?
We'll do that.
No banquet, no currying favour.
A friendly chat.
But the Empress shouldn't go on the hunt.
Why not?
In your delicate condition,
it's too much excitement, so I'll go instead.
I'd like to go too.
We'll go alone.
Elisabeth and I, the future Tsar and his wife.
Do you have another wish, Your Highness?
No.
A hunt. Have you ever heard of anything so childish?
You must go with them.
Of course, I will. Our empire is on the brink of war.
Now we're going to him at that chicken farm.
Karl lives at Auhof to stay away from state affairs.
What'll be next? Sending Luziwuzi to Napoleon?
Your husband will be aware of how serious this is.
-I'll have a new uniform sent to him. -How dare that girl go over my head?
Your Imperial Highness,
sometimes it's good to let things run their course.
Let her fall on her face and let everyone see it.
What real harm could she do?
I can't wait to see the Tsar's son. They say he's a feast for the eyes.
Good morning, ladies.
You do know that he only has an honorary title?
So what?
-Ladies, some tea? -He is an accountant.
A man who's good with numbers is good at…
counting.
I don't know what the Empress sees in her.
She is vulgar.
I think she's fun.
If something looks like sauerkraut and smells like sauerkraut,
it's usually not mousse au chocolat.
Your Majesty?
It is here. The contract from Sina.
We have the money.
You need only to sign it.
-No more obstacles for the railway. -Congratulations.
Let's just hope we don't need any cannons.
Ho, ho!
My son.
Father.
-You're finally visiting me again. -I'm pleased too.
It was Elisabeth's idea. So, please, don't get sentimental.
I'll be in the garden.
I hope you understand I couldn't stay at home.
It's too important for us.
Of course, I understand.
If I'm with child,
this weekend in the woods won't change that.
Besides, I drank all the eggs Esterhazy gave me.
So what could go wrong?
Your confidence impresses me.
I bathed in salt until my skin fell off like scales.
I ate so many raw eggs that I'd vomit every morning.
It didn't help. It took six years.
Having a child is hard work.
I know. My mother bore eight.
But this is about having an heir! Your only task.
Do it before seeking a new one.
Good evening, gentlemen. Milady.
Thank you all for coming.
His Imperial Highness is just as unhappy with the course of events as we are.
Indeed.
And I believe I have an interesting offer.
-Imperial Highness. -Your Majesty.
Welcome to Austria.
So this is the woman all of Europe is talking about.
"Beautiful as the sunrise," my envoy wrote to me from the wedding.
-He wasn't exaggerating. -But he may have overdone the champagne.
Last time, he was just a boy. Now he's Emperor.
And I'm not.
You'll have to tell me how to get rid of one's father.
-Where is your wife? -Yes.
Where is she?
Maria!
Are we here already?
-Your Majesty. -Maria.
-How lovely to see you again. -It is a great pleasure.
-Yes, Puppy has to relieve herself. -And she should.
Tomorrow morning. At sunrise?
-Not a moment later. -I can hardly wait.
We agree that the Emperor has lost his mind.
We need to ally with the French.
Napoleon's offer is off the table.
Napoleon is so upset,
we could be in a war on two fronts if we don't act.
With Russia and with France.
We should declare war on Russia. That could change Napoleon's mind.
-Right, but the Emperor disagrees. -What are you getting at?
I have the assurance of the French court that they won't attack Habsburg.
And, what's more,
that they would support Habsburg in a war with Russia.
That cannot be.
Napoleon favours the Emperor again? How do you know that?
I don't think I expressed myself clearly.
The French will not help my brother.
But they will help a new emperor.
And, of course, with the condition that we do not ally ourselves with Russia.
What if the Emperor makes a peace agreement with the Tsar's son?
Leave that to me.
Good morning, Your Majesty.
Good morning.
I don't like any of them.
Grand Duchess.
My darling, good morning.
This is a Zaisenberger hunting rifle with an octagonal muzzle,
freshly sighted and accurate.
It is our best model.
It sits well in the hand. Why didn't you give this to me right away?
I never show everything I have right away.
So you have more in your cabinet?
Who knows?
I'll take the rifle.
-Good choice. -Empress.
Good morning.
The only thing I don't really understand about hunting is
why you must always start so early.
This is a surprise.
Grand Duke,
it's an honour.
I didn't want to miss supporting my brother on this important weekend.
-I'm pleased to see you, Majesty. -Good morning, Maschenka.
-Hello. -There you finally are.
Gorgeous! Ah, the weather!
Can we start?
I'll take this one.
Maria was hoping to take a walk with you, my dearest.
Leave the hunting to the men, Your Majesty.
We ladies will go on our own outing. It's a wonderful idea.
I'd like to get to know the Grand Princess on my own,
if you have no objections.
You would've preferred hunting with the men?
No. This is wonderful.
I wondered what your peculiarity would be.
My peculiarity?
The thing that distinguishes you as Empress.
Does one need such a thing?
Marie Antoinette had those lovely dresses, seven kilograms of fabric!
Katharina the Great supposedly had over 20 lovers.
And do you know Maria, the former Queen of France?
She did her own cooking at court and invented her own pastries.
What's your peculiarity?
Is it not obvious?
I love animals.
I have four dozen horses, dogs and two monkeys.
Even a donkey back home in Hessen.
Oh, and I also have hospitals built and the like.
It gives people something to talk about.
And significance to us women.
Something people remember.
I hope I'll be remembered for being a good empress,
and not for my hairstyle.
Certainly.
By the way, you do indeed have gorgeous hair.
In Russia, we shoot bears.
Didn't you say we'd at least see wild boars?
Wrong season.
Sometimes, one must break the rules to get what one wants, right?
I read about your plans to abolish serfdom with great interest.
-Are you trying to flatter me? -No. I think we have much in common.
I think you owe a great deal to Russia.
That too.
My father saved you during the revolution.
We're forever deeply indebted to him.
Not deeply enough, it seems.
You broke his heart.
But you're the one determining the future, are you not?
My father is still on the throne.
As long as God wills it.
But pardon me for speaking so frankly. People yearn for a new kind of ruler.
One who values peace over war.
Now you really are flattering me.
Withdraw your troops, and I promise we won't attack you.
I like you.
Let us enjoy the hunt, my friend. We'll talk about war and peace tonight.
Be careful, it's hot.
Good, yes, very good.
The future Tsarina is extraordinary, is she not?
Alexander falls in love with a new court lady every Wednesday
and ends things every weekend.
I think she takes it in stride.
Thank God. I thought you couldn't stand me anymore.
Why would you think that?
You've avoided me since the wedding.
You know why.
Why are you here today, Highness?
Why are you here?
Shouldn't you be resting?
Don't you start with that too.
My family needs you for one important thing,
but not foreign policy.
One thing is better than nothing at all.
Ouch.
Forgive me. You simply bring out the worst in me.
As long as I bring out something in you.
You know I'm here for you if you need anything.
What would I need?
It's going well with Alexander. Hunting was a fabulous idea.
That was very nice, Countess.
Thank you.
We haven't met yet.
Leontine of Apafi, Your Imperial Highness.
Of Apafi. The Apafis, from Transylvania!
I know your parents.
Your father is Count Michael. Your mother…
-Agnes. -Agnes.
Right.
You were your mother's pride and joy.
How is she? She must miss you terribly.
I write her regularly.
I recall you could already speak French as a child.
Oh, of course, you speak French, don't you, Leontine?
Hence my name.
You like literature, as I understand. What do you think of Monsieur de Balzac?
I love this story.
His writing is so passionate.
Excuse me, please.
No!
Give us a little taste!
Why are you so shy?
Excuse me, Your Highness.
You are a riddle, Countess.
But don't you worry.
I will solve it.
Stay away from me, you whore.
Pardon me, Your Imperial Highness.
I have no secrets.
The young Empress truly is special.
-But I'm sure you already noticed that. -Indeed.
Passionate. So impulsive.
Can the well-behaved Emperor handle that, or does she need some variety?
Did he promise peace and eternal friendship?
What's wrong with peace and friendship?
Be careful. That's all.
Are you stabbing him in the back?
Out with it.
If you, France, and the others keep this war up for a long time,
tear each other to pieces and bleed each other dry, who wins?
Who will grab a piece of the Ottoman pie
without dirtying his hands?
My father's lived outside for 15 years.
Prey sighted to the east!
Let's go out again. I'm going to get myself a stag now.
Will you accompany me this time, Majesty? I insist.
It is unusual for a woman to enjoy hunting.
I always went into the forest alone as a child.
Were you not afraid?
The darkness, the silence.
It always had a magical allure.
Are you sure you're not Russian?
Are you afraid to be alone with me?
As I said, nothing in the forest scares me.
She could ride on it for hours on end…
while watching me smoke my pipe.
"Don't smoke so much, Father," she always said.
Do not speak of her.
It'd do you good to speak of her.
Elisabeth and our girl would've liked each other.
No. Our girl was very different. Not one bit like Elisabeth.
-Elisabeth is… -Elisabeth is like you.
Are we lost?
Oh no.
It'll soon be dusk.
Do not fear. I'll protect you.
That won't be necessary.
Pardon, I didn't mean to offend you.
Do you know what your husband wants? My blind trust.
But…
can I trust him blindly?
Help me, Empress.
He wants to protect our empire, not expand it. I know that.
Then he'd be the first man to not want that,
but I don't want to bore you.
Then why did you ask me?
Because you know your husband.
He is different.
No.
You with your smart little head,
you are different.
Perhaps the future of this huge, cumbersome empire
does not lie with him or the Archduchess.
Perhaps Habsburg's future lies
in your bosom alone.
Or…
you really are what everyone says.
A simple girl from the country.
Just because I didn't grow up in a palace…
I knew it.
If you want a big prize, you must take unbeaten paths.
My father taught me that.
Now you've made him angry.
What a shot!
To the day's sharpshooter, Your Majesty, Empress Elisabeth.
To Elisabeth!
Is a wild boar really that dangerous?
Such a large boar can even kill a man.
So that means the Empress saved the Tsar's son's life.
We're leaving. Pack everything.
We're leaving.
Already?
By the time he reloaded, the boar would've torn you to pieces.
What were you to do? Not shoot?
I assume men made these rules, not us.
Is this how you do politics?
Give me a gun that misses?
Elisabeth only followed her instinct.
My instinct tells me everything here stinks.
What are you hiding behind that boyish face?
I was very candid with you, Alexander.
You know what my grandmother always said?
If it seems too good to be true, it's probably bullshit.
All I want is for us to pledge peace to one another.
Do you think I'd go against my father's will?
I thought you saw this war differently.
Maybe I don't.
The occupied territories on our border, what is happening there is unjust.
Oh, please. What is happening in your empire?
You oppress Hungary, Venetia, Lombardy.
Fine.
-I demand you withdraw your troops. -Or what?
Will you get your wife with a big gun?
At least, she would not miss.
You're a coward, Your Majesty.
I will defend my empire, Alexander, with all that I have.
-Then we'll meet again on the battlefield. -It looks that way.
We shall assemble the cabinet.
Tonight.
Do not worry.
What did Alexander say?
I'm going back now. You can come in the morning with the court ladies.
-So he won't withdraw the troops? -Don't worry about it.
Are you saying it was my fault?
You probably should've exercised restraint. Yes.
Do you know how he treated me in the woods?
But I imagine such things are allowed.
I'm going with my mother.
See you tomorrow.
Your Majesty.
I hope you now know what I meant.
You haven't the faintest idea what you're doing.
It really was a good shot.
Are you sure you don't want to stay?
No, I want to go back.
Wait.
Will you accompany me?
You are not to blame, Elisabeth.
Franz sees things differently. I disgraced him.
You did not.
I did, believe me. I know how it looks.
You did not buckle.
You did what you deemed right.
Why does it still feel so wrong then?
That's very simple. Because our role is to applaud the others.
To look pretty.
We sink with the ship, but no one wants to know what we think.
And what now?
-And this is meant to be the solution? -No!
Oh, please.
There is no solution.
There's only here and now.
What is so urgent? We just arrived.
Why didn't you tell us about the outing in the forest?
Far from the palace,
limited visibility, hardly any guards.
It was the chance we've been waiting weeks for.
No. We needed more time to prepare.
Don't play me for a fool.
Why do you wish to draw this out?
Maybe there's another way.
The Emperor is a murderer. He deserves to die.
Maybe we're wrong about him.
What is wrong with you?
This is a mistake, Egon.
You're not a countess, Ava.
Did you forget?
Where you're from?
You were born in the gutter, and you'll end up back in it.
You act so clean and proper.
In your pretty clothes.
But we both know what you've done.
These people are going to die.
Decide which side you want to be on.
Stop!
Oops. Oops.
Oops.
Gentlemen.
It is late.
I shall retire.
I told you to come tomorrow.
I'm sorry if I made a mistake with Alexander.
I mean it.
What is it? Tell me.
Why must you always run to him?
I don't trust him, and you know that. I don't want that.
-Don't talk to me like a child. -Then don't act like one!
Go to bed, all right?
You should get some rest.