A NETFLIX SERIES
Dear Father,
when I got married you said
I'd never be able to be myself if I go to the Viennese court.
You were wrong.
I am completely and utterly myself.
I've met wonderful people.
Life here is intoxicating, and I let myself float along.
They don't need me for anything else.
My daughter,
yesterday I found a poem of yours.
"Swallow, lend me your wings
Take me with you to the faraway land
And when I soareth Freely up there with you
In the ever-blue firmament
How I shall praise
The god from whom freedom was sent"
You wanted to give your life meaning.
Have you found it?
Elisabeth?
-Is she breathing? -Elisabeth?
-Pardon me. -Good morning, Your Majesty.
Good morning.
Have you slept?
A bit.
No.
From your father.
Don't you want to read it?
Later.
Did you have fun last night?
The ladies and I were drinking.
-I would have liked to have known. -Would you have come?
I know you've been unhappy since the foundry incident.
I have a surprise for you.
The situation has changed.
The Habsburg troop deployment is having an effect.
The Tsar is intimidated.
If the Russians retreat, our chance will be gone.
The Tsar hasn't moved one bit yet.
Nothing but rumours.
-What is Rauscher's status? -As good as convinced.
Just your mother now.
Don't give me that look. She's my mother, not yours.
We're all risking our lives. You too.
I have nothing to lose.
Give us the sign, and our men will be at the palace in half an hour.
You mean so my brother can be…
arrested?
Yes.
That's how it's usually done.
Is there a problem?
No.
I will inform you.
He is wild and restless.
He reminded me of you.
A horse walks into an inn.
The innkeeper says, "Why the long face?"
Do you think a bad horse joke makes up for everything?
I hoped it would.
I want to see you tonight.
Just the two of us.
Is that all right?
How considerate of His Majesty.
You had wanted a new pursuit, and just look,
he found something for you.
Yes, how nice.
Something else to keep you preoccupied.
If you will excuse me.
I must speak with you about Countess Apafi, Majesty.
I have reason to suspect we shouldn't trust her.
Her behaviour and her abilities
are not worthy of Your Majesty and this court.
In my eyes, she is more than worthy.
No, Majesty. I have gathered a range of evidence…
Spare me your slander, Countess.
I won't tolerate that.
Thank you.
Come after dusk. The door to the east wing is not guarded.
A knife is buried there.
You could take care of it yourself.
I'm not a murderer.
Really?
What are you then?
I had my doubts, but that's over now.
They are like all the rest. They don't want change.
They have to go.
So the Empress can die too?
Yes, of course.
Good.
Then I will take care of her too.
-For the people. -For the people.
Have you seen this? There are more and more.
What do you want, Bach?
What are you thinking?
It is a matter for the palace guard.
Yes, of course.
I wanted to ask if your connection to the future Baroness von Sina
provides hope for another loan?
Yes, but she wants something in return.
-May I ask what it is? -Would you please leave me alone?
I urge you to consider the importance of a railway--
I know.
Thank you.
Do you know what's going on out there?
This cannot happen.
-Nothing has happened yet. -It's been happening the whole time.
-Do you know why? -I'm sure you'll tell me.
You are unfocused, Franz. She distracts you.
The arguments, the madness at the foundry.
This is not her fault.
The whole court is talking because she parties all night.
You married a defiant child, and that weakens you as Emperor.
The people need a role model.
Something must change, Franz, and you know it.
If you don't take care of it, I will.
Your Majesty, I cannot let you pass. On the Archduchess's order.
Stop!
-Out of the way. -You may not pass.
I am the Empress!
I'm sorry, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, please. The Archduchess wishes to speak to you.
She awaits you in the church.
Hungary, Transylvania…
Apafi.
Bethlen family, resident in…
Vienna.
The Apafi's have relatives in the city. This is the cousin.
Ask for all correspondence with Countess Leontine von Apafi.
And for a photograph as quickly as possible.
Very well.
Countess.
You wished to speak to me?
Sit down.
What do you think is the most important quality for a ruler?
Compassion.
I know you see it differently.
Let me tell you a story, Elisabeth.
It started when my daughter, Anna, was three.
She shivered and shook.
And then it was like her little body turned to stone.
No one knew what it was.
The archbishop said a demon had possessed her, but…
At first, it happened every few weeks, then ever more frequently.
The doctors said it was a rare nerve disease.
They bled her. Do you know what that means?
They drew blood from her little arm.
They shaved off her hair and put leeches on her head,
so they could suck the illness out of her.
And Anna screamed.
And screamed.
"We have to do it," they said. "Just a few more hours."
But I couldn't stand it any longer.
I sent them away.
And I held her.
I don't know how many times the sun came up.
I don't know where her body stopped and mine started.
Four days later, she was dead.
I am so sorry.
It often doesn't help to hold someone's hand.
Do you understand?
To be indulgent, to feel compassion.
Sometimes you have to cut out the tumour, even if it hurts.
I must do everything to ensure this family survives.
What do you need to cut out?
I wanted Franz to have a woman who supported him.
You wanted a puppet.
I want an empress who wears our crown with pride.
Who puts the well-being of this family above all else.
Kingdoms are collapsing around us.
We need an empress who will save us from ruin.
An empress who outshines the times.
That's not you, Elisabeth.
You have two options.
Go back to Bavaria. We'll say you've fallen gravely ill.
We'll annul the marriage, and Franz remarries.
No.
-And you are free. -No.
No?
Or you can stay here.
But new rules will apply.
No riding,
no evening jaunts,
no court ladies.
You get a room in the north wing. Your only company is Countess Esterhazy.
And the Emperor may come visit you on appointed days.
Franz won't permit that.
He already knows about it.
Think about it, dear.
-Your Imperial Highness. -Your Imperial Highness.
She has until this evening to decide.
May I say how much I admire your clarity in dealing with the Empress?
She will no longer cause turmoil here, this way or that.
You failed, Countess.
-I… -The people outside at the gate…
Did you see them?
And we're staring down the Russians at the border.
How much time do I have
to take care of a girl who howls at the moon at night?
Who behaves like a lunatic?
But, Imperial Highness…
You have lost your bite.
You need a new task.
Something more manageable.
Should the Empress decide to stay here, you will keep her company.
That will be your only task. Just the two of you.
And at my side…
Margarete will take your place.
Should the Empress decide to return to Bavaria,
you shall accompany her.
Some time off.
Don't send me away.
Not to Bavaria.
I will put everything right.
Please.
Please!
Don't make a fool of yourself.
Leave now.
Both of you.
I have to hand it to you, Maman.
You know how to encourage the underlings.
I wonder what those people hope to achieve.
Nothing will come of this.
They want to be seen.
I have a headache. Bring me a glass of water.
What game are you playing?
A what? A game?
Don't waste my time.
We all have our games. So…
What is yours?
Franz hasn't become the emperor you wished for.
I feel sorry for my brother.
Sorry?
How can I explain it?
When you see someone who is unwell,
and then you yourself feel unwell.
Forget it.
Will you get to the point today?
The next years are about preserving our empire.
Or else it will crumble. You know that as well as I do.
Napoleon and Queen Victoria are laughing at us.
and the Prussians are chomping at the bit.
-You know the people like me. -Popularity is overrated.
Not when you're the only one who is liked.
I have excellent connections throughout Europe.
-And the support of the-- -The support to do what, Maximilian?
That is high treason. Punishable by death.
-I have to try. -God alone chooses the emperor.
You chose the last one.
You've shown me what it means to protect this family.
At all costs.
Majesty.
His Majesty is not here.
Where is he, Theo? I must speak to him.
I'm sorry, Majesty.
But it's really important. I need him.
Majesty, I'm sorry. It just isn't possible now.
Are you unwell?
-It's not a good time. -What happened?
Trust me.
Please.
She wants me gone.
Who?
Your mother.
No.
I won't allow it.
I couldn't find Franz. Do you know where he is?
What did you want to tell me?
A lot will change here soon.
Very soon.
No matter what happens,
I want you…
I want you by my side.
What is going to happen?
I can't talk about that yet.
I know how much he loves you.
But when you really need him,
then he's not there.
He needs you to feel alive.
But for that, a part of you must die. Is that just?
Elisabeth…
You and I…
It was meant to be.
Get out.
Go!
Your Majesty, did you call?
Where is Leontine?
Countess Apafi.
Your Majesty, your brother wishes to speak to you.
Your Majesty.
I was wondering where you were off to.
You won't like what I have to tell you.
Some groups have lost faith in you as an emperor.
The people want a change.
What are you getting at?
Have you looked out the window?
You've lost control.
You want to rule?
You?
Are you serious?
We can have a peaceful transfer of power.
There needn't be a scandal.
Your choice.
You don't know what being in charge is like.
When every decision is yours.
The task is yours alone. Forever. You can't just leave.
I know that.
You know nothing!
You live in a fantasy world, Maximilian.
You always have.
You told me about the palace elves who watch over us.
They don't exist.
Nor does your imaginary empire.
Why don't you just enjoy your life?
Why don't you?
Because this is my duty!
You have no more support, Franz.
I have the Church on my side. And the army.
They don't matter.
And your wife?
Does she matter?
She has indicated that she supports me.
She never said that.
You're right.
We've barely spoken to each other.
You saw in Ischl that we belong together.
That's why you took her from me.
Get out.
Or I'll have you hanged on the spot.
That will change nothing.
Your time is over.
Elisabeth?
Better?
Have you had breakfast?
I haven't kept it down for days.
Your last period didn't come.
Is there another sign? I mean…
how can one be certain?
Take your blouse off.
Please.
I'm going to touch you.
May I?
It is taut.
You're expecting a child. I'm sure.
Are you pleased?
-Is this everything? -I have this too.
A family party, but the Countess Apafi was not there.
What am I paying you for then?
A nursemaid.
Countess Salm-Reifferscheidt. What can I do for you?
Where is Countess Esterhazy? I urgently need to speak with her.
Have you not heard?
The Countess was given a new task.
But I am all ears.
No. I will speak to the Archduchess personally.
Thank you.
What do you have there? Who's that?
Is this about Countess Apafi? Did you find something?
Not a word to anyone.
Franz?
Make sure my brother does not leave the castle.
And find out where Kempen is. I must speak to him.
-I want to tell you something. -Don't I give you everything you dream of?
-I don't know what you mean. -Answer me.
You're scaring me.
You know none of that means anything to me.
-Gifts. -Says someone who is very spoiled.
You all think you can scheme behind my back and I won't notice?
-What are you talking about? -You'll never see my brother again.
So you admit it.
No.
There is nothing between him and me.
What does that mean?
I only love you.
Don't give me that look. I'm defenseless against it.
Why can't that be enough?
Your mother wants me to go.
What did she say?
That I confuse you.
That something must change.
She's right about that.
What do you mean?
-Did you know? -No, but it can't go on like this.
What can't?
Me sitting around all day drinking tea, trying on clothes,
keeping my mouth shut, having a child,
and turning my brain off?
You wandering around at night,
putting yourself in danger, behaving as if you've lost your mind,
not following the rules.
That is precisely why you wanted me.
I want more, Franz. I can't be locked up.
I need someone who can be content sometimes.
-Then you should've chosen Helene. -Yes, maybe.
You're a coward.
Tell your mother I'm leaving. I'm returning to Bavaria.
If you do, you can never come back.
I'd rather be the madwoman in Possenhofen than spend another day here as Empress.
Attention!
We just counted about 300 people at the main gate alone.
Others are surrounding the castle.
What do you plan to do about it?
We've locked all the gates and increased the number of guards.
-No one will get in. -That is all?
I want you to post 100 armed men at the gate.
And have the palace guard ready.
They're mostly from poorer quarters. Surely, they're unarmed.
And if someone twitches, arrest them. If they do more than twitch, shoot.
-But they're peaceful! -Is he contradicting me?
Your Majesty.
Von Bach, this doesn't concern you. Go.
What are you waiting for?
Elisabeth is going away for a while.
That is very sensible.
I know it pleases you, Mother.
No, Franz. It doesn't please me.
It was a beautiful dream, but every dreamer wakes up eventually.
Can you see to it that little Luzi gets this dress?
You shouldn't go.
Talk to him.
I can tell him to meet you.
And you take this.
-No. -Yes.
Does he know you're pregnant?
You must tell him.
No, it's over.
Do you remember our first day?
You said it was a symbol of human fragility.
And you were right.
This court has broken me.
This court is a game. Don't you see that?
I never liked following rules.
Sometimes you have to follow the rules to win.
I didn't come here to win anything.
There's nothing left for me here.
I'll write you.
What are you doing?
It's not about you, Elisabeth.
People burn these as a cry for help.
If you want to help them, you must stay.
Countess Apafi.
Countess, what can I do for you?
It's about the Emperor.
Your Imperial Highness.
I just received a message from St. Petersburg.
The Tsar ordered his troops to withdraw.
It will be seen as a great success. Your brother's plan worked.
But no one knows that yet.
Does he know?
Keep this to yourself.
Not possible. The opportunity has passed.
No! I will speak to my mother. Give me an hour.
-No. It's over. -It's over when I say it is!
You've not looked this relaxed in so long, Your Imperial Highness.
If I may say so.
I thank you for your trust in me.
I will not disappoint you.
I know.
The Archduke Maximilian.
Pardon me. I must urgently speak with you again.
Do you know what he wants?
He thinks he can be Emperor.
But he is as ill-suited for it as the rest of you.
Why do you say such a thing?
My entire life, I've stood by weak men. And you, Maximilian, are one of them.
None of my sons are fit for the throne. Not one. Not you either.
Do you think I'll let one of you destroy what I've created?
Not you, not your father, not your brother,
and certainly not that girl.
That reminds me, I wanted to bid her farewell.
Elisabeth.
The ability to recognize one's own limits is very important in life.
Believe me.
I wish you a pleasant journey.
Majesty.
I will not permit myself to question my Emperor's decisions.
The Empress is going to the carriage.
Your Majesty?
Stop!
Drop the knife!
For the people!
Go back!
He must stop.
Your Majesty, I must ask you to turn around.
No one is leaving tonight.
Turn the carriage around. Take Her Majesty back to the palace.
Your Majesty, they're blocking the gate. It is too dangerous.
I must ask you to get back in.
Open the gate.
Certainly not.
Open the gate! Right now!
I must get out of here!
We are hungry!
Look at us!
Your Majesty, what are you doing? I must warn you.
You betrayed him.
No one knows about you.
You can go. I won't betray you.
You can never go back to Vienna. We'll see to it.
One step outside and we'll kill you.
And I hear your days are also numbered here.
There you are.
-Did you know the Empress is gone? -I know.
Because of the unrest? Or a fight with the Emperor?
-What will happen to us? -Can you shut up for once?
Are other people's lives that interesting, or do you have no thoughts of your own?
Then I won't tell you
about the photographs of you Amalia was carrying around the palace.
The Empress is at the gate.
-Here! -We need reinforcements. Go!
-Go! -Faster! Faster!
You have my dress. None of it belongs to you.
What did you do with the real Apafi?
Please, Amalia.
Think this through.
Why should I? You've wanted to get the better of me the whole time.
Are you jealous?
I am here to protect the Empress and this court.
This is sacred to me!
I've worked hard my entire life to fulfil this duty.
And you want to destroy it all!
You are scum.
What are you up to?
Open it.
I see you.
Imperial Highness.
If you would follow me.
What is she doing? What's going on?
Your Imperial Highness.
She told the people she is expecting a child.
Did she now?
That is wonderful news.
Open the gate.