A NETFLIX SERIES
[bird calling]
[bird cawing]
[Elisabeth] Dear Father,
when I got married, you said that if I went to the Viennese court,
I would never be able to be myself.
[sombre music playing]
[woman singing]
[Elisabeth] But you were wrong.
I've never been myself more.
I've met such wonderful people.
Life here is intoxicating, and I'm enjoying every minute.
After all, they do not really need me to do much of anything.
[Father] My daughter,
yesterday I found one of your poems.
"Swallow, lend me your wings
Fly me away to a distant land
And should I soar with you Up in the ever blue firmament
With all my heart Will I worship the god of freedom"
[indistinct chatter]
You wanted to give your life meaning.
You have clearly failed.
[singing]
-[loud thud] -[crowd gasps]
[chuckles]
[Maximilian] Elisabeth?
Elisabeth?
-[Charlotte] Is she still breathing? -Elisabeth?
[Elisabeth laughing]
[all laugh]
[theme music playing]
-[sombre music playing] -[bird cawing]
[exhales]
[chuckles]
[bell tolling]
[pensive music playing]
-[glasses clattering] -[Elisabeth chuckling]
[doorman] Good morning, Your Majesty.
[Elisabeth continues chuckling]
[Franz exhales]
Good morning.
[chuckles]
Have you slept?
A little.
[Elisabeth exhales]
No.
[Franz] From your father.
[Elisabeth exhales]
[Franz] Will you not read it?
Later.
Did you enjoy yourself last night?
Yes, with the girls.
I would like to have been informed.
Would you have come?
I know you've been unhappy since the incident at the foundry.
[sighs]
[inhales]
I have a surprise for you.
[Buol] The situation has changed.
We've been informed that the deployment of troops is having an effect.
The Tsar is intimidated.
If the Russians retreat, the moment to strike will pass.
The Tsar has not moved an inch, Buol.
It's just rumours.
How goes it with Rauscher?
Almost on side.
That leaves your mother.
No need to look so forlorn. She's my mother, not yours.
We're risking our lives here as you are.
I have nothing to lose now.
Soon as you give the sign,
our men can be in the palace in half an hour.
Which will lead to my brother's…
apprehension.
Yes.
Well, that's how it's done normally.
Is there a problem?
No.
I'll keep you informed.
[horse gruffing]
He's wild.
And restless.
Reminds me of you.
[horse gruffs]
A horse walks into an inn.
Says the innkeeper, "Why the long face?"
[chuckles]
[Franz chuckles]
You think a bad horse joke makes up for everything?
I hoped so.
[horse gruffs]
I want to see you tonight.
[gentle music playing]
Just us.
Yes?
[horse gruffs]
[horse exhales, gruffs]
How thoughtful of His Majesty.
You were so keen to find a new pursuit, and look…
-[horse gruffs] -[chuckles]
…he found something for you.
Yes, how nice. Something known to distract you.
If you'll excuse me.
I must speak to you about Countess Apafi, Your Majesty.
I have reason to suspect we should not trust her.
Her behaviour, her abilities
are not worthy of Your Majesty and service to this court.
In my eyes, she is more than worthy.
Your Majesty, I have gathered considerable proof.
Spare me your slander, Countess.
[horse gruffs]
I will not tolerate such behaviour.
Thank you.
-[sombre music playing] -[Leontine imitating bird call]
[Leontine] Come after sunset.
The door to the east wing is not guarded.
You'll find the knife buried there.
You could do it yourself.
It'd make things much easier.
I'm no murderer.
Really?
What are you then?
I had some doubts, but not any more.
They're just like all the rest. They don't want change.
They must die.
The Empress too?
Yes, her too.
Good.
Then I'll dispose of her.
-Revolution. -Revolution.
[von Bach] Your Majesty, have you seen this?
More and more of them.
[Franz] What are you after, Bach?
How do you plan to react, Your Majesty?
This is a matter for the palace guard.
[von Bach] Yes, of course it is.
I simply came to ask you
whether your connection to the future Baroness von Sina
has offered us hope for further loans?
Hope? Yes, but the future baroness wants something in return.
Something in return? May I ask what?
Would you please leave me alone?
I urge you to consider how vital this railway is for Habs--
Thank you.
Now go.
[indistinct yells]
[Sophie] Have you seen what's happening at the gate?
You must put a stop to this.
[Franz] Nothing's happened yet.
Of course it has. Things have been happening for some time now.
-And do you know why? -Well, I assume you'll tell me.
She's distracting you. Wake up.
Her tantrums, that insanity last week at the foundry.
That incident was not her doing.
The court tongues are wagging because she stays up all night long.
You married a spoiled child, and that weakens you as Emperor.
You need to command some respect.
Something has to change, Franz, and you know it.
If you don't do it, I will.
[horse whinnies]
Your Majesty, I cannot let you pass. By order of the Archduchess.
[horse gruffs]
[dramatic music playing]
Halt!
-Move aside! -You cannot go any further.
I am the Empress!
[guard] Your Majesty, forgive me.
[dramatic music continues]
[horse gruffs]
[horse whinnies, gruffs]
[doorman] Your Majesty, the Archduchess wishes to speak to you.
[horse whinnies]
She awaits you in the church.
Hungary,
Siebenbürgen…
Apafi.
Branch of the Bethlen Family, living in…
Vienna.
The Apafi's have relatives in the city. This is the cousin.
Now ask for all correspondence with Countess Leontine von Apafi.
Or for a photograph. Go quickly.
Very well.
[breathes heavily]
[gasps]
[breathes deeply]
[Amalia] Countess.
[door opens]
[door shuts]
[Elisabeth] You wanted to talk to me?
Sit down.
What do you think is the most important virtue in a ruler?
[Elisabeth] Empathy.
I know you disagree.
It is not that simple. Let me tell you a story, Elisabeth.
It started when my daughter, Anna, was three years old.
She shivered and shook.
And then her little body turned to stone.
No one could tell me what it was.
The archbishop said a demon had possessed her, but…
It happened every few weeks, then more often.
The doctor said it was a rare disease of the nerves.
They exsanguinated her. Do you know what that is?
They drew blood from her arm. She was so small.
They shaved off her hair.
Then to drain away the illness from her body,
they put leeches on her head.
And Anna screamed.
And screamed.
"We must keep going," they said. "A few more hours."
But I couldn't stand another second.
So I sent them on their way.
[sombre music playing]
And I held her.
I'm not sure how many times the sun rose.
Or where her body stopped and where my own began.
[Sophie exhales]
Four days later, she died.
I'm so sorry.
There's little use holding out one's hand, Elisabeth.
Do you understand?
To be indulgent, to be compassionate.
You have to cut the sickness right out, even if it hurts.
I must do all that I can to ensure this family survives.
What is it you need to cut out?
Franz's wife should support him.
You wanted a puppet.
I want an Empress to wear our crown with zeal.
Who puts the needs of this family above everything else.
All around us, kingdoms are tumbling.
We need our empress to save our nation from ruin.
An empress who's a shimmering light.
[sombre music continues]
That is not you, Elisabeth.
You have two options.
Go back to Bayern.
Then we can say you're gravely ill.
And then annul the wedding for Franz to marry again.
No.
-[Sophie] And you'll be free. -No.
No?
-Or you remain here. -[bell tolling]
And abide by our rules.
No horse riding,
no evening jaunts,
no ladies in waiting.
You will reside in the north wing.
Your only company will be Countess Esterhazy.
And then at appointed times, the Emperor will come to you.
Franz will not allow it.
[Sophie] He already has.
Take time to consider this.
[bell continues tolling]
[footsteps approaching]
[door opens]
-[Margarete] Your Imperial Highness. -[Esterhazy] Your Imperial Highness.
She has until this evening to make her decision.
May I say how greatly I admire your clarity in dealing with the Empress?
She will no longer, in any way, cause turmoil here.
You failed, Countess.
-I… -The people at the gate…
Have you seen them?
Meanwhile, we face the Russians at the border.
How much time do you honestly think I have
to take care of a girl who howls at the moon at night?
Who carries on like a lunatic?
Why, Imperial Highness…
You have lost your touch.
You need a new assignment.
Something simpler.
Should the Empress decide to stay here,
then your one responsibility will be to stay by her side.
Just the two of you.
And by my side…
Margarete will stay.
And if the Empress should decide to return to Bayern,
you shall accompany her.
Some respite.
Do not send me away.
Not to Bayern. [whimpers]
I will make full amends. [gasps]
Please. [sobs]
Please.
You're making a fool of yourself.
Leave now.
Both of you.
[exhales]
[door opens]
[Maximilian sighs]
I have to hand it to you, Mother.
You know how to inspire your minions.
I wonder what the people intend to achieve.
It's pointless.
They want to be seen and heard.
Fetch me some water, for I have a headache.
[glass clatters]
[water pouring]
What game are you playing?
You think I'm playing a game? [exhales]
[Sophie] Don't waste my time.
We all have our games. So…
What game do you play?
Franz is not the emperor that you hoped he would become.
I feel sorry for my brother.
Really?
How shall I put this?
When you see someone who is unwell,
and then you yourself are unwell…
Ah, it matters not.
Are you going to get to the point?
We need to preserve our empire.
Or else it will crumble. You know that as well as I.
Napoleon and Queen Victoria laugh at us, and the Prussians are at our heels.
-And you know the people like me. -Popularity is overrated.
Not when you're the only one who is liked.
[Sophie chuckles]
I have excellent connections in Europe.
-And I have the support-- -The support to do what, Maximilian?
It's high treason. Punishable by death.
-I have to try. -Only God chooses the emperor.
You chose the last one.
[dramatic music playing]
You've shown me what it means to protect this family.
And the price.
-[women chuckling] -[indistinct chatter]
[gasps]
[woman] Majesty.
His Majesty is not here.
Where is he? I must see him.
[Theo] I'm afraid you can't see him.
-[Elisabeth] It is important. I need him. -[Franz breathing heavily]
[Theo] Forgive me, Your Majesty. It is not possible at this time.
[high-pitched ringing]
[breathing shakily]
[Maximilian] Are you all right?
[Elisabeth] It's not a good time.
What happened?
You can trust me.
Please.
She wants rid of me.
Who?
Your mother.
Never.
No, I'll not allow it.
I can't find Franz. Where is he?
So what do you want?
A change is on the way.
It's coming.
And no matter what happens,
I want you…
I want you by my side.
What's going to happen?
I cannot tell you now.
I know how much he loves you.
But when you need him most…
When you need him most, he's not there.
He needs you to feel alive.
For that, a part of you must die. Is that fair?
Elisabeth…
You and I…
It was always meant to be.
[gentle music playing]
[Elisabeth murmurs] No.
Out.
Get out!
[Franz breathing shakily]
[maid] Your Majesty, did you summon me?
[Elisabeth] Where is Leontine?
Countess Apafi.
[door opens]
[doorman] Your Majesty, your brother wishes to speak to you.
[Maximilian] Your Majesty.
[door shuts]
I was wondering where you would be.
[Maximilian] You will not like what I have to tell you.
Uh-huh.
So there are groups out there who have no confidence in you now.
They are calling for change.
What are you saying?
Have you looked out the window?
You've lost your control.
You want to rule?
You?
[Franz chuckles]
Seriously?
We'll ensure an easy handover, Franz.
There's no need for scandal.
You choose.
You have no idea at all what ruling is like.
When all decisions are yours.
To bear the weight alone. Forever. And not set it down.
I do know.
You know nothing!
-[sword clatters] -You live in a fantasy, Maximilian.
You always have.
You told me there were palace elves who watch over us.
They do not exist.
Nor does your imaginary empire.
Why not just enjoy your life?
You should try that.
This is my birthright!
[sombre music playing]
Your time is over, Franz.
I have the Church on my side. And the army.
[Maximilian breathing shakily]
They're not enough.
And your wife?
Is she enough?
She has indicated that I have her full support.
She never said that.
You're right.
She didn't say that much.
[Maximilian exhales]
[breathing heavily]
You noticed our frisson back in Ischl.
And that's why you stole her from me.
For shame. Get out, or I'll have you hanged.
[both breathing heavily]
It'll change nothing.
[exhales]
Your reign's over.
[door shuts]
[glasses clattering]
[liquid pouring]
[Leontine] Elisabeth?
Better?
Have you eaten?
For days now, I haven't kept anything down.
And it appears you have not bled this month.
Um…
Is there another way of telling? I mean…
how can I be certain?
Take off your clothes.
Please.
I'm going to touch you.
-May I? -Mmm.
[Leontine] It's firm.
[Leontine inhales]
You are with a child. I'm certain.
Are you pleased?
[Elisabeth sniffling]
Is this all?
There's this. A family celebration,
but they told me Countess Apafi wasn't there.
What am I paying you for then?
[scoffs] A nursemaid.
Countess Salm-Reifferscheidt. What can I do for you?
Countess Esterhazy. I must speak to her urgently.
But have you not heard?
The Countess has been given another role at court.
But you can tell me.
No. I will speak to the Archduchess personally.
Thank you.
[chuckles] What have you there? Who's that?
Is this about Countess Apafi? Have you found something?
Not another word.
[bell tolling in distance]
[Elisabeth] Franz?
[Franz] Make sure my brother cannot leave the palace.
And find Kempen. I need to speak to him.
-Franz, I have something to say. -Do I not give you everything you need?
-What do you mean? -Answer me.
I'm scared.
You know I don't care about things.
-Gifts. -[Franz] Says a spoiled young girl.
Do you really think that you can scheme behind my back without me even noticing?
What's this about?
You will never see my brother again.
Do you admit it?
No.
What's happening is not what you think.
What does that mean?
I love only you.
Do not look like that. It's true.
Why, then, is that not enough?
Your mother wants me gone.
What did she say?
That I'm a distraction.
And it needs to stop.
And she is right.
What do you mean?
-Did you know? -No, but she's right.
It can't go on like this.
What can't?
The sitting around for hours all day,
and tea drinking, and wearing pretty clothes,
and keeping my mouth shut,
having a baby and not thinking for myself?
No, your nighttime creeps,
putting yourself in danger, behaving as if you've lost your mind,
incapable of following the rules.
But that's why you wanted me, Franz.
[dramatic music playing]
I want more, Franz. You can't keep me locked up.
I need someone who's able to be content.
Then you should've chosen Helene.
Yes, I should.
You're afraid.
[Franz exhales]
Tell your mother that I'm going home. Going back to Bayern.
If you leave, you can never return.
Better a madwoman of Possenhofen than one more day here as Empress.
[breathes deeply]
[Franz exhales]
[guard 1] To the gate.
To the gate. To the gate. Go!
[guard 2] And halt!
[Kempen] We estimate 300 people at the main gate alone.
More surround the palace.
[Sophie] And what do you intend to do about it?
[Kempen] We've locked all the gates and doubled the guards.
-They won't get in. -[door opens]
[Sophie] Is that all?
I want you to post 100 armed men at the gate immediately.
-And keep the palace guard at the ready. -[Kempen] Your Majesty.
They're mostly from the poorer quarters. If you look, you can see they're unarmed.
If anyone so much as twitches, arrest them.
And if they do more than that, shoot.
[horse whinnies in the distance]
-You can't shoot. They're peaceful. -Are you contradicting me?
[von Bach] Your Majesty.
[Franz] Von Bach, this doesn't concern you. Go.
What are you waiting for, Kempen?
Elisabeth is going away for a while.
A sensible idea.
[indistinct yells in the distance]
I know it pleases you, Mother.
Franz, it doesn't please me.
It was a beautiful dream, but everyone has to wake up in the end.
[guard] Men, move up. Over there.
[Elisabeth] Can you make sure that this dress goes to little Ludwig?
You should stay here.
Speak to him. I can tell him to come and see you.
Keep this.
No.
[Elisabeth] Yes.
Does he know you're with child?
But he does need to know.
Not now.
Remember our first day?
You said this was a symbol of human fragility.
You were right.
This court has broken me.
Can you not see that life here at this court is but a game?
And I've never liked rules.
Sometimes, though, you have to play by them to win.
But I didn't come here hoping to win.
There's nothing for me here.
I'll write.
-[Leontine] Wait. -[Elisabeth] What is it?
[Leontine] It's not about you, Elisabeth.
The people burn these as a cry for help. If you want to help,
then you must stay.
[crickets chirping]
Countess Apafi.
Countess, what can I do for you?
It's about the Emperor.
[door opens]
Imperial Highness.
I have received word from St. Petersburg.
The Tsar has ordered his troops to retreat.
It will be seen as a great success. Your brother's plan has worked.
But as yet, no one knows.
Does he know?
Keep it to yourself.
Such news cannot be withheld.
-The moment is gone. -[Maximilian] No.
I will speak to Mother within the hour.
-No. It's over. -It's only over when I say!
[Margarete] You've not looked this at ease for some time, Your Imperial Highness.
If I may say so.
And I thank you for your trust.
I won't let you down.
I know.
-[knocking on door] -[door opens]
Archduke Maximilian.
Forgive me, I must urg…
urgently speak with you.
Do you know what he wants?
He wants to be Emperor.
But he's as ill-suited as everyone else.
And why would you say that?
I've spent my life in the shadow of weak men.
And you, Maximilian, are one.
Not one of my sons is fit for the throne.
Including you.
Do you really think I would let any of you destroy what I've built?
Not you, not your father, not your brother,
and certainly not Elisabeth.
[sombre music playing]
That reminds me, I wanted to bid her adieu.
[sombre music continues]
[Sophie] Elisabeth.
To recognize one's frailties in life
is a valuable lesson to learn, my darling girl.
I wish you a pleasant journey.
Majesty.
I would never permit myself to question my Emperor's decisions.
The Empress is on her way to her carriage.
[horse gruffs]
[charioteer] Your Majesty?
-[horse whinnies] -[charioteer] Hyah!
[dogs barking in the distance]
[guard] Don't move!
Put down the knife!
We know who you are.
[Egon chuckles]
-Revolution! -[guns firing]
[dramatic music playing]
[charioteer] Halt! Halt!
[Kempen] Halt immediately!
-[charioteer] Whoa, there. Whoa. -[horse whinnies]
[Kempen] Your Majesty, I must ask you to turn around.
No one is to leave tonight.
Turn the carriage around and take Her Majesty back to the palace.
[Elisabeth] No. Wait.
[Kempen] Your Majesty, there are people blocking the gate. It's too dangerous.
I must ask you to get back in the coach.
-[Elisabeth] Open the gate. -I will not.
Open the gate at once!
I have to leave the city.
-[man yelling] -[baby crying]
[man] Look at us!
[baby continues crying]
[Kempen] Your Majesty, I must warn you.
[Elsa] You betrayed him.
[Leontine] No one knows about you.
Go. I won't betray you.
Now you can never go back to Vienna. We'll make sure of that.
One step outside and we'll kill you.
And here… here, time is running out for you.
[Charlotte breathing heavily] There you are.
-The Empress, she is gone. -Yes, she is.
Do you think it's 'cause of the uproar outside?
Or a fight with the Emperor? And if that's the case, she is gone--
For once, can you be quiet?
Are other people's lives so interesting,
or you're just unable to think for yourself?
Then I shouldn't tell you about the photographs of you
that Amalia was carrying.
-[indistinct chatter] -[Franz breathing heavily]
[bell tolling]
[guard] The Empress is at the gate! We need reinforcements!
-[horse whinnies] -[man yelling]
[breathing shakily]
[dramatic music playing]
-You have my dress. -No, it's not yours.
What happened to the real Countess Apafi?
[both breathing heavily]
Please, Amalia. Think carefully.
[Amalia] Why should I?
You've been trying to get the better of me.
Are you jealous?
I'm here to protect the Empress and the whole court
because it's my calling!
I've laboured to protect it all my life. It's a duty I fulfil.
And you want to destroy it all.
You are vile scum.
[grunts]
[exhales]
[gate locks]
[indistinct whispers]
[gentle music playing]
What are you doing?
[indistinct whispers continue]
Open it.
[baby crying]
I see you.
[Leontine breathes deeply]
[gentle music continues]
[Theo] Imperial Highness.
Would you follow me, please?
[Sophie] What is she doing? What's going on?
Your Imperial Highness.
She has informed the people that she is with child.
Did she now?
That is wonderful news. Yes.
Unlock the gate.
[music crescendos]
[music fades]
[dramatic music playing]
[music fades]