Original subtitles

Elisabeth.

Elisabeth, do you hear me?

All will be well.

It's just the fever.

Empress.

Empress, follow me.

Elisabeth. Come back to me.

Empress.

Follow me.

Come back to me. Please.

Please.

THE EMPRESS

Your Majesty.

Imperial Highness, Your Eminence.

How is she?

The bleeding has stopped. That's good.

But the infection rages, hence the high fever.

When, Doctor, do you think she'll recover?

I'll know that when the fever subsides.

You have to help her. Help her!

I'm truly sorry, Doctor.

Your Majesty, try to get some rest.

Dr Fritsch, I have a question.

When our dear Empress finally recovers,

will she be able to conceive again?

She will want to know when this ordeal is over.

Another pregnancy...

...would come at great risk.

Do not fear.

Her Majesty's fate lies in God's hands, Imperial Highness.

I'm a scientist, I'm sorry. I deal with facts.

And when science is not conclusive, then we shall leave it to God.

Then let me be clearer.

Another pregnancy could kill both of them.

We should seek another doctor's opinion, Imperial Highness.

That is enough!

She must live, you hear me?

That is the only thing that matters to me.

You can go.

Your Majesty, there are those that wonder if you will see the newborn Princess soon,

as she was born nearly a week ago.

No.

Since the incident at the Imperial reception,

we've conducted intense investigations in Lombardy-Venetia.

Clearly many months too late, Minister.

And it is true,

a new revolutionary movement has developed in the region.

We have reinforced our military presence there.

All rebellious murmurings and talk will be silenced, Your Majesty.

But if the revolution raises its head again,

then we will not repeat the same errors.

Any other ideas?

Other than military action?

Your Majesty, the Lombards are very devout.

A clear word from Rome, from Pope Pius,

will bind the people of the region more closely to us again.

And, um, what is Habsburg to do for Rome in return?

Pope Pius wants Austria to create

a stronger bond between the Church and the state.

A papal state?

Your Majesty, no. No, I do not think this is a good idea.

Interestingly though, von Bach, this is not your affair.

- Domestic matters are in my jurisdiction. - Really?

And here I was thinking my son was head of the empire.

Lombardy is only the beginning.

Other ethnic groups will be certain to join them.

We've got to try all that we can to keep them onside.

Draw up a concept, Cardinal.

I will consider it.

Majesty.

Your Majesty,

there is mounting evidence that proves that the Kingdom of Piedmont

has surely supported and maybe even prompted the Lombards

in their quest for independence.

Then we should secure a pact with France.

Piedmont is inferior to us in every way.

And to keep them in check,

we really do not need Napoleon's assistance...

I am not saying that we need him as a war ally.

But we will only find peace in Europe once we have secured his aid.

In the meantime, who'll be our Paris envoy, Highness?

He will surely not have me hanged.

I trust he won't.

It would be absurd.

So, what do you think?

Your Imperial Highness.

Maximilian!

Luzi.

Let me look at you.

How handsome you are.

- Bursting with life. - Unlike you.

What is that, hm?

Aren't there any barbers in Trieste?

Mama.

Careful,

or I might get the impression that you've missed me.

Don't be absurd.

Are you in earnest?

The last few days have been hard enough for your brother.

But every healthy child is a cause for joy.

Mother thinks Franz has been very sad because of Elisabeth.

What has happened to her?

She had a difficult birth. She suffered terribly.

Now go. He's waiting for you.

Your Majesty, the Archduke.

Your Majesty.

Maximilian.

I congratulate you on the birth of your daughter.

Thank you.

Majesty. I have dreamt of this moment...

I summoned you here so you can do your family a service.

After all I have done, you want even more of me?

I'm sorry.

Is this a moment to jest?

I jest when I am in trouble.

There's a new independence movement in our empire.

In Lombardy-Venetia.

It is supported by the Kingdom of Piedmont.

I'm sure your advisors know what to do.

Military pressure is their plan, I assume.

And what would you do?

Do you really want to know?

We...

You need allies in Europe, Your Majesty, to stabilise the region.

In Europe, we're isolated. We are vulnerable.

And the Prussians may one day take their chance.

And so?

Napoleon.

You will have to make him an ally.

I wouldn't get my hopes up though. The French have never liked you very much.

But you are not me.

- So you want me to be your errand boy? - And to put in a good word for us.

Can you manage that?

Napoleon has just had a son.

You will give him my warmest compliments and offer him a customs union.

A customs union?

A first gesture.

I refuse to beg for his aid.

- I am sorry to hear that Elisabeth... - Don't you speak of her!

- I just wanted... - Never again!

If we're reconciling, that's absurd.

I'm asking you for your help in the name of the Crown. That is all.

- Then you must trust me again. - I must do no such thing.

Go board your train. And send a telegram when you've met with Napoleon.

But why send me?

If I'm not worthy of your trust yet?

Prove to me then that you are.

Your Majesty.

Please leave us alone.

I'll just rest here with you.

Empress.

Empress.

Empress.

Empress!

Elisabeth.

It's me. It's me.

All is good.

All is good. It's me.

Oh.

Where's our child?

Is it healthy?

Yeah.

It is a healthy baby girl.

Can I see her?

Yes.

I thought you were going to die.

I'm so thankful.

Imperial Highness.

Think, Ivan.

Just yesterday we were in exile, but today we meet Napoleon.

Is not life full of miracles?

At this rate, when we get to Paris,

Napoleon's new son'll have hair sprouting out of his ball-sack.

Another train has broken down, Your Highness.

Uh-huh.

That train was carrying a passenger of noble birth

who now requests that she travels on to Paris with you.

"She"?

And who is this "she"?

Her Royal Highness, Princess Marie Charlotte of Belgium.

His Imperial Highness, Archduke Maximilian of Austria.

Your Royal Highness, it is my honour.

These are my ladies-in-waiting,

Duchess von Bransner and Countess von Metternich-Zichy.

- Your Imperial Highness. - Your Imperial Highness.

I hear your journey has thus far not gone as planned.

- I am sorry. - I quite enjoyed it.

A three-hour stop in Innsbruck,

then a delay because of lambs on the track.

- That's annoying. - Then a defective switch near Kufstein.

I thought your brother intended to upgrade the railway.

I thought hot air balloons would yield a better return.

Will you allow me to raise your spirits up?

There's really no need to do that, Your Highness.

Please, will you not sit down?

Ivan.

Ladies, please take a seat.

Would you care for some refreshments?

I would like a coffee, please.

A black tea for me and a pastry, if you have any.

- Thank you. - With pleasure.

What takes you to Paris, if I can ask you?

- You can ask what you like. - Your Highness?

A hot cup of tea, please. Thank you.

With pleasure.

A private affair, Highness.

Private affairs are my favourite subject.

Everyone's aware.

Hm.

Hello. Hello.

Mm.

Mm.

She has so much hair. Have you seen?

I can hardly believe we survived that.

She's a wonder.

Do you want to hold her?

Your Majesty, the Princess must feed.

Why can't I nurse her myself?

Because in those first days, you were unconscious. You have no milk.

Your Majesty?

You will be strong again soon.

Promise me that you will rest.

Yeah.

What is her name?

Tell me that you named her.

Not yet.

I'm so happy you're feeling better.

BIRTH OF SECOND DAUGHTER ANNOUNCED

Before you ask, yes, she really is as gorgeous as that.

- Why would I want to know that? - Everyone always does.

- I'd rather know... - Psst!

...if she has any influence over what the Emperor will do.

Or is she just gorgeous?

That is a tricky one.

And so why is it a tricky one? Has she any influence at all?

She has vigour, full of vim.

My brother admires her, but...

But in the end, he's a man who will not be dictated to.

Sometimes, we are not ready for new ideas.

Or for a young lady who knows her own mind.

You should meet my mother one day.

We only met an hour ago, and you want me to meet your mother already?

It really is no wonder that you wear out your women so quickly.

I didn't introduce any of them to her.

You are highly amusing.

But you do not laugh, hm?

I was born like that.

The doctors say that a different climate is a cure.

Imperial Highness, your champagne.

To the Emperor and the Empress and their newborn daughter.

And to the influence of a woman.

Now open.

That's the spirit.

Bone broth's a wonderful medicine.

You know, it cured my mother and my aunt of that Spanish influenza.

And they were as good as dead.

I want to see Leontine now.

Can you get her?

I asked her to find something out for me.

I have already sent for her, but she's nowhere to be found.

Open.

- Thank you. Let me do it. - No, Highness.

And I shan't leave your side till you are better again.

And then we can spend some real time together.

The Archduchess, Your Majesty.

Your Imperial Highness.

Elisabeth.

What a relief.

You look much better.

Do not fear.

The next time, we'll get what we need.

And what does that mean?

You will have a son.

Do not heed what that doctor said.

There was no doctor here.

Dr Fritsch is concerned that another pregnancy

could put your life in danger.

What a good memory, Charlotte. Wonderful.

Now please leave us alone.

That is just idle talk.

You are young.

You will recover swiftly.

I don't think I can go through it again.

I had ten pregnancies, and four died in the womb.

I had one stillborn, and I got over it all.

We women can endure far more than men would believe.

Yes, but I said I don't want to go through it again.

We require an heir to the throne, Elisabeth.

And then a second son if the first dies.

It has been this way for centuries, girl.

And you are not going to change that.

I forgive all of this lunacy for everything you've been through.

Now get some rest.

How is the Empress?

Only just risen from the dead,

and she is more insufferable than ever before.

She requires absolute quiet, she must stay in bed.

Announce it to the court.

There will be no walking and no visitors.

And the children will be looked after by the nurses exclusively,

on the doctor's orders.

Yes, Your Imperial Highness.

The children, uh, is that a form of punishment?

Absolutely not.

All I want is for her to get well soon.

And also, the more she longs for her children,

the quicker she'll want to try for another one.

Of course, Highness.

And find me a better doctor.

Yeah, Your Imperial Highness.

Elisabeth?

What are you doing here?

You should be in bed now.

Here, sit down.

What has happened?

Your mother came to see me.

Do you really want me to conceive again as soon as possible?

Franz?

I just want you well again.

That is not an answer.

Tell me what you think.

We need a son.

You know that.

Today? Or will next week suffice?

I realise girls have less worth in this family.

- I just didn't know that you thought that. - I don't think that.

You barely even looked at her, Franz. And you didn't even give her a name.

I was concerned for you, Elisabeth.

I also have to govern an empire and safeguard our future in it.

Napoleon has secured an heir.

So this is to spite Napoleon? I'm sorry I didn't realise.

I didn't mean it like that.

- I am sorry. - I understand, Franz.

It's just that there are other things that I really want to do.

For Austria.

Not just bear children.

- And you will, one day. - No, now.

I... I have dreams of that young man we shot.

I have them all the time.

Over and over again.

I don't understand.

That man died in front of you.

Franz, he was giving me a sign.

Giving you a sign? From the dead?

He wants us to help him.

He is dead.

- I know what it sounds like. - This is lunacy.

I think that you should retire now to bed.

And I think that you should remain here tonight.

Your Majesty, why aren't you in bed?

I want to see my children.

The nurses will take care of them while you're weak.

Fienchen should be in this room.

Your Majesty, you must go lie down.

Do you wish to have breakfast with the Empress, Your Highness?

I do not wish that.

Any news from Paris?

The train should have just arrived.

His appointment with Napoleon is at midday.

I hate sitting around and waiting for others to take care of things.

- What is that? - It is pea soup, Your Highness.

Uh, it is known to increase the likelihood

of producing male offspring.

With heartfelt greetings from your mother, Your Majesty.

I have to get out of here.

His name was Adolfo Tadini. Twenty-two years old.

His family runs a small weaving mill not far from Milan.

His father once fought for Austria.

I have something else.

This belonged to him.

Perhaps Franz is right.

Maybe it's the fancy of a lunatic.

You're up again already.

And you?

Good morning, Charlotte.

No visitors, as per my instructions.

What is going on between you? Tell me.

I want you, Leontine, and you, Charlotte, both by my side as I so desire it.

- She is, uh... - She is what?

What is she, Charlotte?

If there's anything you want to tell me, then tell me now.

Please.

Uh...

Then you have to stop it.

Both of you. Are you hearing me?

Your Majesty.

Yes, Majesty.

Your Imperial Highness.

Princess Marie Charlotte of Belgium.

Your Highness.

Good morrow.

I trust that you were not too uncomfortable?

Mm. Absolutely not.

I came to say goodbye.

- Jumping out of the train, are you? - In a short while, we'll be in Paris.

And because I am a day late, my ladies and I have to get ready.

At least have a little sip of tea.

Pear?

Why the rush?

What so urgently awaits you in Paris?

I am meeting my future husband.

I just have to consent.

If I find no fault in him, our engagement will be final.

Ah.

And who is so lucky?

Pedro V.

The King of Portugal.

Mm, what is this Portugal? I've never heard of it.

And what are you doing in Paris?

I'm on a diplomatic mission.

A new alliance waits for me there.

- Well, that's what I'm looking for. - So it seems.

Well, do you think you could kindly lend me a gown to accentuate my cleavage?

Sorry. I'm sorry, I choked.

Your Majesties, we are arriving in Paris.

We are arriving in Paris.

Goodbye.

It has been an honour.

All right. We're not here for fun, are we?

To battle!

Follow me, please.

What did you bring?

Your Majesty.

It's a great honour. Thank you for receiving me.

Congratulations on the birth of your son.

With warmest regards from my brother.

Well, how very considerate.

Allow me to introduce you to Baron Haussmann.

It's a pleasure.

I've heard a lot about you.

Your Majesty?

This will be his masterpiece.

And my legacy to the world.

Paris?

We all want to leave something behind. You agree?

Large boulevards.

From one end of the city to the other.

No little alleyways, like in the Middle Ages

when everyone had to walk through shit every day.

That's over.

So that traffic can flow, and...

so can the shit.

Perfect.

The heart, a plaza,

a point at which all threads do come together.

The Place de l'Étoile.

Wonderful.

A place of celebration, where people can listen to me speak.

One's people must hear when addressed.

As your good brother is aware. No?

Well...

But now, the best thing.

All you do is rotate the cannon,

and you can shoot in every direction.

I have learned from the revolution.

So, my friend, you have not said why you're here.

- My brother had me... - No.

This is too exciting.

Come to a little soirée I'm hosting tonight.

And there you can tell me everything.

Thank you.

Fienchen.

Fienchen, I'm here.

Yeah. Come.

Yes.

Ah!

Mm-hm.

Yes. Come with me.

Hello.

Mama!

Ooh.

Oh.

Mama?

Fienchen, wait. Wait for me.

Fienchen.

Empress.

Fienchen?

Fienchen?

Empress.

The Princess! Help her!

- She will fall in! - Imperial Highness, come away from there.

No!

- Why was the Princess unattended? - She must have run away!

- I'm here. - I have her!

Your Majesty, may we help?

- How could you let this happen? - There was a man by the hedge. He... He... Um...

Majesty? Where was he?

- Your Majesty. - There. There. Over there.

Mama.

- Stay with me, Princess. - He was over there.

I am convinced this is an acute hysterical neurosis

triggered by the anguish of the birth.

I... I have seen it frequently.

My dear colleague, please. Her Majesty has not been examined yet.

Uh, I've brought a very effective new remedy.

Hm.

Just a strong sedative.

It...

It's nothing but sedation.

That is all.

Dr Seeburger, it's you I rely on.

Do what you think is best.

But, Your Imperial Highness, believe me, that remedy will do no good...

Thank you, Dr Fritsch. You can go.

A glass of champagne?

You like her then, huh? The Belgian Princess?

She would make a beautiful queen, wouldn't she?

For Portugal.

She could make a wonderful queen for any country, Your Majesty.

Come with me.

Tell me now, what exactly is on your mind?

Majesty, my brother wants to work more closely with France again.

Your Majesty.

Thank you.

I wish you a pleasant evening.

To your son.

The newest Napoleon.

To your health, my uncle.

Hm.

His Highness, my brother, suggests a customs union, Your Majesty.

Wherefore?

Well... the two greatest powers in Europe should be friends, Highness...

...not enemies.

So believes my brother.

Your brother's empire is a very special case, I think.

Habsburg has so many different cultures, languages spoken.

Eleven official languages and 25 ethnicities.

I imagine it just like a family with a large brood of differing children.

And a lot of children means a lot of worry. Is that not so?

Absolutely right.

So let me give you some advice.

You shouldn't prevent your dear children from flying the nest.

Like the Lombards, for example?

Just like them.

I think that children who misbehave

are really looking for someone that loves them.

You're a rear admiral, are you not?

Why hasn't your brother found a better position for you?

Have you ever been a guest in South America?

Argentina,

Ecuador,

Peru,

Mexico.

There lies the future.

Does that mean you've lost interest in Europe?

No. But it's overcrowded.

And when things get crowded,

there's not enough room for everyone.

If your brother does not have a real task for you,

I'll find you one.

I have a gift for you.

They are called worry dolls.

They are from Mexico.

Every night, all of the children tell the dolls all their worries.

They give each doll one worry.

Lombardy.

Hungary.

No heir to the throne.

Put them under your pillow at night.

And in the morning, you have one less thing to worry about.

Take them to your brother.

Perhaps he can use them somehow.

- I have many more. - Thank you.

That idea my brother had? Majesty? The alliance?

I shall consider it.

Thank you, Majesty. I will tell His Highness.

Majesty, my name is Dr Seeburger.

It is an honour.

I'm here to get you well again.

Where is Dr Fritsch?

Dr Seeburger has been appointed by the Archduchess

to take over Your Majesty's treatment from now on.

You will return to health soon, Your Majesty.

Right.

No, I'm not taking that.

Out of my way.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, the Empress.

Your Majesty.

When did I ask for a new doctor?

I am concerned, Elisabeth.

Instead of regaining your strength, you appear to be losing your senses.

I am sane enough.

I heard you saw someone in the park.

A bleeding man who wasn't really there. Is that true?

And because of this, you let your child out of your sight.

You have put Princess Sophie in serious jeopardy, Elisabeth.

She was terrified.

Well, I didn't intend that.

What if something had happened to her?

- I just wanted... - Shh.

You're worried, I know.

And this week has been so hard.

- Yes. - Franz will understand.

Does he know about what happened?

No, dear.

But we must tell the Emperor, don't you think?

No.

No.

What if we keep it between us...

so he doesn't worry unnecessarily?

Perhaps that's a good idea, hm?

Yes.

Yeah.

I will not tell Franz anything.

I will keep it from him.

But you must do something for me in return.

Doctor?

I, too, have a malady.

In the evenings, I have headaches and heart palpitations.

I would suggest herbal tea and drawing a warm bath.

That helps most ladies.

Most ladies do not serve the Archduchess, Doctor.

I need something stronger.

I understand.

Take but three drops, but never more.

I thank you.

Your mother isn't feeling herself.

That's why we're eating together.

- That's nice, isn't it? - I don't want it!

Forgive me, Imperial Highness.

That's all for now. You can go.

Mm.

You like to do things yourself, hm?

I can understand that.

Listen to me.

As of today, we'll call you Sophie.

That is what you were baptised, and it suits you. Don't you think?

To us, Sophie.

Imperial Highness.

Your Royal Highness.

Ladies.

Well, I trust you had a good time with King Pedro.

Naturally we did, Highness.

- We found him a very impressive man. - King Pedro has a palace right by the sea.

And he has an island in the Indian Ocean.

I am certain he will propose this week.

So tell me, is he what you seek?

He doesn't make me laugh at all.

Has anyone made you do that?

Duchess.

- A moment, please. - The coach is waiting.

Uh, the Archduke will be taking a walk along the Seine tomorrow morning.

You should ensure the Archduke is wearing his underwear then.

It is pretty cold on the riverside, sir.

Um, would you let the Princess know, Duchess?

Please?

The Archduke does still remain next in line for the Austrian crown.

Yes.

Good night.

Your Majesty.

Elisabeth.

Is she all right?

The doctor gave her medicine to calm her nerves a little.

Thank you.

I wish we could live out in the mountains somewhere.

Our girls, you and me.

I would teach them to hunt.

You'd teach riding.

I wish I could just be a father now.

England.

Prussia.

Russia.

Austria.

Mm.

It's too cramped, isn't it?

Mm. Mm.

Yes, Europe is too cramped.

Ah.

Mm.

Another one betrothed.

Yet again.

It's just insanity.

Your Highness?

I didn't think you'd come.

And now then?

If we don't get moving, I'm going to freeze here.

Shh.

What should we name you?

These ladies all have the same name.

Do you want to be a Maria too?

Or a Theresia?

Oh, you like her?

Gisella.

- Yes, that horse. - Good. Will you spin it again?

- Yes! Shall I turn it? - Yes.

Please help us, Empress.

Your Majesty, good morning.

You look refreshed indeed.

- Please, open your mouth. - Mm.

Mm.

That is good. There you are.

If you can, just be calm, Majesty.

I will not be calm.