A NETFLIX SERIES
Make it stop,
Hazy.
But would the foe alarm me
Oh, let him never harm me
But still Thine angels round me sing
Today is a big day.
On your feet now.
Your Majesty, it's the Countess again.
Shall I take care of it?
No, let her in.
My Emperor.
Countess.
It's not a good time.
I had no choice. You don't answer my letters.
We've resolved everything.
And you think you can just discard me?
I made you a generous offer.
You said you need me.
Your Majesty? The Imperial bride will arrive shortly.
It's over.
I always select more than I need.
In the next weeks, we'll see who makes it.
She will get what she needs,
so we get what we need.
A radiant empress.
I want to know everything. What she eats, drinks, thinks.
When she has her period. Everything.
Franz wrote her 44 letters. Can you imagine that?
We'll see if it all goes so smoothly.
Why? They're in love.
Or are they not?
Love alone often isn't enough, Luzi.
Does Franz know you think that?
We all have our little secrets.
Right, Luziwuzi?
In line, quickly! The coaches are arriving.
She's coming!
Elisabeth, will you do me a favour?
When we're here at court,
don't tell everyone what's on your mind.
I can take care of myself.
And Franz loves me as I am.
And this is you?
Welcome.
You're finally here.
How wonderful.
It's a pleasure, Your Imperial Highness.
Come along now.
We have a great deal to do.
Helene.
Welcome.
Ludovica, nice to see you.
The people can hardly wait to see you.
You'll ride to the wedding in the glass coach.
It's tradition.
In two hours, you have a dance class with the Emperor.
Johann Strauss composed a waltz for you. But your wardrobe must be tailored first.
Here we are.
Show Their Highnesses
the newly landscaped rose garden in the meantime.
Of course. This way, please.
Helene.
Helene, please wait.
She won't talk to me anymore.
Not a single word.
Chief Court Mistress,
Countess Esterhazy.
She knows the protocol and the court better than I do.
She'll run your court and see to everything.
It is my honour, Your Royal Highness.
May I introduce you to your court ladies?
Chosen from the Empire's best families to engage your mind and spirit.
They will fulfil your every wish.
Countess Amalia von Salm-Reifferscheidt.
She speaks six languages and is skilled at embroidery and drawing.
She's served for years.
It's the greatest of honours, Your Royal Highness.
I have longed for this day.
Countess Charlotte von Stubenberg.
An exquisite harpist.
Your Highness! You're much prettier than in the pictures.
-Pardon me, I'm a little excited. -Countess Leontine von Apafi.
From far-away Transylvania.
Her French is excellent. Outstanding at reading aloud.
I brought my favourite books along.
Do you know Werther?
Your Highness.
I'm Elisabeth.
No touching!
And no first names please, Your Royal Highness.
This way, please.
These are the latest styles. Paris, Milan, Saint Petersburg.
I picked them all out for you myself.
So many shoes.
Not your size, Leontine.
Empresses can't wear the same shoes twice. They're disposed of each day.
That's wasteful.
That's Schönbrunn.
Strange that the trunk with her shoes still isn't here.
Today, we must try on the clothes for the dance,
this evening's dinner and the wedding.
There is much to do, but if we're disciplined, we'll manage.
Do you like it?
It has been in our family's possession for centuries.
Mama, come!
Wait, I'll get you soon.
Your Imperial Highness.
The cabinet awaits you in the meeting room.
Well, then…
I'll leave you to the ladies.
I hope this is important.
Your Imperial Highness.
France and England have entered the war against Russia.
The Russian army near Odessa has been under fire since yesterday.
Your Majesty must choose a side, or a side will choose us.
It is imperative we send in reinforcements.
This year's military expenditures have already put a burden on our budget.
Entering this war would mean leaving no money for anything else.
-I expected you to say that, Bach. -Von Bach.
What do you need the money for this time? A home for poor widows?
Gentlemen!
Majesty. What could be more important than defending our empire?
You want to attack, not defend.
I recommend waiting.
-The situation is much too unclear. -Unclear?
Please.
May I?
Here are the French with at least ten, three- or four-decker ships of the line.
In front of Crimea, the Brits.
Nine steamers,
six gunboats and one frigate.
And here…
Grapes, please.
The Russian infantry and fleet.
The French will take care of the Tsar. With or without us.
And if you ask me, Majesty, we should look to the West.
We could learn from the French and English.
We shouldn't upset Tsar Nicholas.
Our alliance with Russia ensures our position in Europe.
We must take a stand against the West.
We shall not enter this war. That is the Habsburg stance.
Getting involved on either side is a waste of money and lives.
I have other plans for our empire.
The delegations from Paris and St. Petersburg are here for the wedding.
They want to know which side Habsburg will take.
I'd like to urgently implore Your Majesty to reconsider.
You have my answer.
If you'll excuse me.
Too tight.
Please stop. I can't breathe.
Then it fits perfectly.
I need a break.
I'd like to see Franz, His Majesty.
It's not time for that yet.
Then I'll go for a walk. I…
I need air.
But only in a suitable dress.
What is she doing?
Wherever she goes, we follow.
Will some of us really be let go?
Oh, that's just talk.
Traditionally, the Empress has six ladies-in-waiting.
But there are ten of us.
Some will be weeded out.
And who gets to stay?
The indispensable ones.
Yuck!
Have you ever seen such an animal?
He is looking at you.
I am new here.
Not the bird. The Archduke.
That's Maximilian, the Emperor's brother!
Oh my! He's so handsome.
It's nice to see you again.
I feel the same.
You've changed since the engagement.
You've sprung open like a little almond.
-How do you do that? -Do what?
You give a compliment, but it's really an insult.
-Happy to teach you. -No, thank you. I prefer direct insults.
It's gorgeous here.
At first glance, yes.
-Are you trying to scare me? -Just telling you the truth.
How's the delightful Italian baroness?
Wonderful, so I hear.
She's gotten engaged to a count.
And you?
I didn't get engaged.
Elisabeth.
If I may give you some advice…
Stick with me in here and nothing will happen to you.
I have a feeling the exact opposite might be true.
-Time for your dance lesson. -If you'll excuse me.
"The river with its wild course. The tempest is my vital force."
She's going to be a lot of work.
Her scribblings aren't the problem.
What else do you have?
These books are banned in our country.
I hate to say it,
but she lacks all understanding and discipline.
I heard how she greeted the Emperor.
And she just cancelled a fitting.
What do you propose?
This young lady needs a strong hand. Then she will work.
Don't frighten her off, Countess.
Your Imperial Highness. Your husband.
He's here?
Your Imperial Highness.
Karl! How nice.
You're already here.
Our son will only marry once.
How are things at Auhof Castle?
Very well. In March, I shot a twelve-point stag.
And we built new stables. Even has a toilet.
How nice.
How are things here in Vienna?
Some trouble with the Russian war, but don't let that worry you.
You'll know what is to be done.
Please excuse my tardiness, gentlemen.
Your Royal Highness, if I may introduce myself.
Johann Strauss, composer.
I composed a waltz in your honour. For the dance after the wedding.
Boo!
My dear Countess.
-Hello. -Did you bring the shoes?
Things like that are hard to get. And expensive.
I need them tonight at the latest. This Amalia is sticking to me like a fly.
I'll get some.
I promise.
What's it like?
They all want to get close to the bride to secure a spot, like crazy little birds.
You're shivering.
You never told me what she's like.
The Empress.
How should she be?
She's scum,
like all of them.
As long as she trusts you more than anyone else.
I know.
Wait. You've…
Royal Highness.
I implore you.
You can keep the dress on.
This won't take long.
What won't take long?
Dr Fritsch will confirm the Imperial bride's purity
and her ability to bear an heir to the throne.
-It is an honour, Your Royal Highness. -Ultimately, God makes the final decision.
As you know, He alone decides who sits on the throne.
As of tomorrow, you are a vessel of His will.
His Excellency, the Archbishop Rauscher.
If you'd lie down, please.
Your Majesty,
your brother.
You wanted to see me?
Let me work the diplomats tomorrow.
-They won't understand your plans. -Do you take this seriously?
What does that mean?
I've been at your side advising you for weeks,
but you're always with that ferret von Bach.
During the revolution,
First Lieutenant Krall gave his arm for the Empire.
How nice.
He has two daughters,
Agnes and Emilie.
Agnes was expecting a child
with a young man who had no plans to marry her.
She died in childbirth.
Emilie fell victim to the same young man.
Consumed with grief, she jumped off a barn and has lived in sanatorium since.
Without knowing who the young man was, all we can do is ensure
he and his family are taken care of.
Nobility status and a yearly pension.
Do you agree to this?
Yes.
That way, he can forget this whole thing
and no longer feel he must talk about it.
I thank you, Majesty.
-I didn't know they were sisters. -You must adhere to the rules.
If not, you'll undermine us all.
She only lets me out for important occasions.
I'm to spend most of my time in the country.
That sounds familiar.
You look wonderful.
How was your day?
Is Helene not here?
She sends her apologies.
I almost didn't recognize you.
Is that good or bad?
You tell me.
Elisabeth, come over here and join us.
War can give meaning to things. It would get the riffraff off the streets.
War is the last resort, not a game.
And we'll give the people meaning anyway, right?
Have you met the Imperial bride, Your Excellency?
We've already had the pleasure.
I had the honour
of verifying the young lady's chastity.
Wonderful.
It gives me pleasure, Your Majesty, to say
nothing stands in the way of an heir to the throne.
Happy you at least had some pleasure.
Elisabeth, His Excellency was doing his duty.
I'm sorry the sacred ritual made you uneasy.
A sacred ritual, right. Silly me.
It seemed two men were looking up my dress.
Pardon me, Maman. Pardon me.
You seem agitated,
my child.
I'm not agitated.
Is everything okay, Elisabeth?
Maybe the bride needs some rest.
I don't think that'll be necessary.
-I… -Franz.
It's been a long day for her.
We want tomorrow to go well, do we not?
A bit of rest would do you good, Elisabeth.
No. Please, I--
Maybe it's better you rest.
-But… -I insist on it.
If I may permit myself an observation.
Countess Esterhazy put me in charge of your court
because I'm very well versed.
I know how people tick, what can be said to whom.
I am always ready to help you.
Thank you.
Highness, many of the other ladies
are only here to find a good husband.
They come and go.
I live for this court.
I am here solely to serve you.
Whatever you need, just say it.
Can you tell me what this is?
I'm sure this can be thrown away. Shall I dispose of it for you?
I'll go see what's going on.
You urgently need rest, Royal Highness.
What's going on?
Where I am from, people burn those straw dolls as symbols of mortality.
So God may protect them.
Your Royal Highness,
your teeth.
I'll do it myself. Thank you.
You shouldn't do that.
They'll only gossip then.
You do it, please.
No, definitely not.
Archduke Maximilian is hosting a soiree.
You are invited.
And us too. We've been invited too.
Countess Esterhazy said the bride doesn't leave her chambers
the night before the wedding.
Are we too late?
He wanted to be here at midnight.
It is an honour.
Now go back quickly before they notice.
For the people.
I want you to build me a big railway line. Like you built in England.
And Egypt and now in Norway.
I want to connect the people of my empire.
Bring them prosperity.
-This isn't enough. -Austria needs this railway.
The whole world needs a railway. That's why it's expensive.
Give me three days. You will get the entire sum.
I hear you intend to get involved in the war for the Ottoman Empire.
This will surely be very costly.
We're not going to war.
I'll get more money before you depart.
I told my husband I want to be alone.
It is not your husband.
A Prince of Vasa?
Your Imperial Highness, what should I tell him?
Do you know him?
Tell him to come in.
Your Imperial Highness.
Prince of Vasa.
How long has it been? Ten years?
Thirteen.
And you still wear the fox.
I don't usually discard old things as hastily as you do.
The last man who spoke to me that way was hanged.
Something to drink?
Does he love her?
Franz?
Like a sparrow loves the new day.
A marriage out of love.
Is that allowed?
We're trying something new.
Why did you invite me to this wedding?
All of Europe is invited.
Is it maybe because it's my son who will marry tomorrow?
So many questions, Prince of Vasa.
Stop and take a breath.
I bid you a good night.
Will I see you tomorrow?
Will I get an answer?
What's that supposed to mean, she's not in her bed?
You've lost the Empress?
What is that?
Get her out of here.
-They're all waiting. -I don't care.
Good gracious.
Please give us a moment alone.
You must love seeing me this way.
I thought I would.
But I don't.
You smell like old champagne!
You too.
I like your short hair.
You look gorgeous.
Sorry about what I said.
Me too.
Please say I'm not like mother.
You're not.
I hope he's worth all this.
You'll get used to the circus.
I mean losing you.
You haven't lost me.
Do you really want to go back to Bavaria?
Don't you want to stay here for a while?
I don't know who to trust here.
What is it, Theo?
It appears the Imperial bride had an argument with your brother.
My brother?
She seemed very distraught.
Take care of my girl, okay?
Elisabeth!
-Elisabeth! -Elisabeth!
Elisabeth!
Majesty!
Elisabeth! Please!
Elisabeth!