The Empress (2022) s02e02 Episode Script

1
[gentle music playing]
[water dripping]
[exhales]
[insect buzzing]
[birds chirping]
[inhales]
[inhales]
[Franz, softly] Elisabeth.
Elisabeth, do you hear me?
All will be well.
[breathing shakily]
It's just the fever.
[music continues]
[Adolfo in Italian] Empress.
[ominous music playing]
Empress, follow me.
[in English] Elisabeth. Come back to me.
[Adolfo in Italian] Empress.
Follow me.
[in English] Come back to me. Please.
Please.
[theme music playing]
THE EMPRESS
[theme music fades]
[birds chirping]
[footsteps approaching]
[door opens]
- [door closes]
- [Dr Fritsch] Your Majesty.
Imperial Highness, Your Eminence.
- How is she?
- [cup clinking]
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!
[Franz breathing heavily]
I'm truly sorry, Doctor.
[Dr Fritsch] 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
[exhales]
would come at great risk.
[Rauscher] Do not fear.
Her Majesty's fate lies in God's hands,
Imperial Highness. [clears throat]
[Dr Fritsch inhales]
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. [sighs]
Another pregnancy could kill both of them.
[Rauscher] 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.
[sombre music playing]
Your Majesty, there are those that wonder
if you will see the newborn Princess soon,
as she was born nearly a week ago.
[inhales deeply] No.
[von Bach] Since the incident
at the Imperial reception,
we've conducted intense investigations
in Lombardy-Venetia.
[Buol] 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.
[sighs]
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.
[von Bach scoffs]
And, um, what is Habsburg
to do for Rome in return?
[Rauscher] 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.
[footsteps receding]
[Buol] 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.
[Grünne] 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?
- [suspenseful tone]
- [sighs]
[dramatic music playing]
[Maximilian] He will surely
not have me hanged.
I trust he won't.
It would be absurd.
So, what do you think?
[music continues]
[inhales]
- Your Imperial Highness.
- [sniffs]
[exhales sharply]
[music fades]
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.
[sombre music playing]
Now go. He's waiting for you.
[footsteps receding]
[Theo] Your Majesty, the Archduke.
Your Majesty.
[Franz] Maximilian.
I congratulate you
on the birth of your daughter.
[Franz] Thank you.
[footsteps approaching]
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?
[Maximilian chuckles]
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.
[Franz inhales, exhales]
I wouldn't get my hopes up though.
The French have never liked you very much.
[inhales]
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.
[door opens]
[footsteps approaching]
Your Majesty.
Please leave us alone.
[door closes]
[footsteps approaching]
[inhales, exhales]
[bed creaks]
[inhales, exhales]
I'll just rest here with you.
[unsettling music playing]
[gasps]
[gasps]
[Adolfo in Italian] Empress.
[gasps]
Empress.
[breathing shakily]
Empress.
[whimpering]
- [whimpers]
- Empress!
[high-pitched ring]
[gasps]
[breathing heavily]
Elisabeth.
- It's me. It's me.
- [Elisabeth inhales sharply]
- All is good.
- [Elisabeth inhales, exhales]
All is good. It's me.
Oh.
[Elisabeth grunting]
Where's our child?
Is it healthy?
Yeah.
It is a healthy baby girl.
[gentle music playing]
Can I see her?
Yes.
I thought you were going to die.
[Franz crying]
I'm so thankful.
[Franz sobs, breathes shakily]
[train horn blowing]
[Ivan] Imperial Highness.
[Maximilian inhales deeply]
Think, Ivan.
Just yesterday we were in exile,
but today we meet Napoleon.
Is not life full of miracles?
- [thud]
- [brakes screeching]
At this rate, when we get to Paris,
Napoleon's new son'll have hair
sprouting out of his ball-sack.
[indistinct chattering]
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"?
[inhales sharply]
And who is this "she"?
[Ivan] 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.
[laughs]
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?
[gentle music playing]
Ivan.
[Ivan] Ladies, please take a seat.
Would you care for some refreshments?
[von Metternich-Zichy]
I would like a coffee, please.
[von Bransner] A black tea for me
and a pastry, if you have any.
- Thank you.
- [Ivan] With pleasure.
What takes you to Paris, if I can ask you?
- You can ask what you like.
- [Ivan] Your Highness?
A hot cup of tea, please. Thank you.
[Ivan in German] With pleasure.
[in English] A private affair, Highness.
Private affairs are my favourite subject.
Everyone's aware.
[laughs]
[clears throat] Hm.
- Hello. Hello.
- [baby cooing]
[Elisabeth exhales]
[chuckling]
[sniffles] Mm.
Mm.
She has so much hair. Have you seen?
[Elisabeth chuckles]
[baby whining]
I can hardly believe we survived that.
She's a wonder.
Do you want to hold her?
[baby continues whining]
[nurse] 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?
[baby continues whining]
[footsteps receding]
[Franz] You will be strong again soon.
[gentle music playing]
Promise me that you will rest.
Yeah.
[baby cooing]
What is her name?
Tell me that you named her.
Not yet.
I'm so happy you're feeling better.
[kisses]
[footsteps receding]
BIRTH OF SECOND DAUGHTER ANNOUNCED
[train chugging]
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.
[Ivan] 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.
[door opens]
[maid] The Archduchess, Your Majesty.
[Charlotte] Your Imperial Highness.
Elisabeth.
What a relief.
You look much better.
[bed creaking]
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.
[Charlotte] Dr Fritsch is concerned
that another pregnancy
could put your life in danger.
What a good memory, Charlotte. Wonderful.
Now please leave us alone.
- [door opens]
- That is just idle talk.
You are young.
You will recover swiftly.
[door closes]
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.
[pensive music playing]
[sobs, sniffles]
I forgive all of this lunacy
for everything you've been through.
Now get some rest.
[door opens]
[door closes]
[footsteps approaching]
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.
- [bird hoots]
- [gentle snoring]
[snoring continues]
[exhales]
[exhales]
[floor creaking]
Elisabeth?
What are you doing here?
You should be in bed now.
Here, sit down.
[exhales]
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.
[Elisabeth crying]
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.
[inhales]
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.
[gentle music playing]
I think that you should retire now to bed.
And I think that
you should remain here tonight.
[music continues]
[footsteps approaching]
[Charlotte] 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.
[breathing shakily]
[Theo] Do you wish to have breakfast
with the Empress, Your Highness?
I do not wish that.
[newspaper rustling]
Any news from Paris?
[Theo] 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.
[inhales deeply]
I have to get out of here.
[breathes deeply]
[Leontine] 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.
[Elisabeth] Perhaps Franz is right.
Maybe it's the fancy of a lunatic.
[footsteps approaching]
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
- [Elisabeth] She is what?
[inhales]
What is she, Charlotte?
If there's anything you want to tell me,
then tell me now.
Please.
- [inhales, exhales]
- [unsettling music playing]
Uh
Then you have to stop it.
Both of you. Are you hearing me?
Your Majesty.
[Charlotte] Yes, Majesty.
[Ivan clears throat]
- [door opens]
- [valet] Your Imperial Highness.
Princess Marie Charlotte of Belgium.
[Maximilian] Your Highness.
- Good morrow.
- [door closes]
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?
- [Marie] Pedro V.
- [cup clinking]
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?
[laughs, chokes]
Sorry. I'm sorry, I choked.
- [cup clinking]
- [inhales]
[attendant] Your Majesties,
we are arriving in Paris.
- [in French] We are arriving in Paris.
- [door closes]
[gentle music playing]
Goodbye.
[in English] It has been an honour.
[door opens]
[door closes]
[Ivan clears throat]
All right. We're not here for fun, are we?
[in French] To battle!
[horse snorts]
[dramatic music playing]
[horse snorts]
[man yelling indistinctly]
[man speaking indistinctly]
[in French] Follow me, please.
[suspenseful tone]
[music stops]
[man in French] What did you bring?
[Maximilian] 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.
[in English] Well, how very considerate.
[in French] Allow me to introduce you
to Baron Haussmann.
[Haussmann] It's a pleasure.
[Maximilian] I've heard a lot about you.
[suspenseful music playing]
Your Majesty?
[in English] This will be his masterpiece.
And my legacy to the world.
Paris?
We all want to leave something behind.
You agree?
[in French] Large boulevards.
[in English] 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.
[in French] That's over.
[in English] So that traffic
can flow, and
so can the shit.
[in French] Perfect.
[in English] 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.
[eerie music playing]
So, my friend,
you have not said why you're here.
- My brother had me
- [Napoleon] No. [chuckles]
This is too exciting.
Come to a little soirée
I'm hosting tonight.
And there you can tell me everything.
[music continues]
[in French] Thank you.
[birds chirping]
[snoring]
Fienchen.
Fienchen, I'm here.
Yeah. Come.
[horse whinnies]
- [Fienchen giggling]
- Yes.
[inhales]
- [Elisabeth chuckles]
- [Fienchen squeals, giggles]
- [Elisabeth] Ah!
- [Fienchen laughing]
[Elisabeth] Mm-hm.
Yes. Come with me.
[whimsical music playing]
Hello. [giggles]
[Fienchen] Mama!
[Elisabeth chuckling]
- [Fienchen grunts]
- [Elisabeth] Ooh.
Oh. [exhales]
Mama?
Fienchen, wait. Wait for me.
[Fienchen giggling]
[laughing]
Fienchen.
[tender music playing]
[panting]
- [Adolfo in Italian] Empress.
- [Elisabeth gasps]
[music stops]
[Fienchen laughing]
[gasps]
Fienchen?
[tense music playing]
[Elisabeth exhales]
Fienchen?
[breathing heavily]
[disorienting tone plays]
[gasps, breathing shakily]
- [Adolfo in Italian] Empress.
- [Elisabeth gasps]
[Adolfo breathing shakily]
[Elisabeth whimpers]
[breathing shakily]
[breathing shakily]
[nurse] The Princess! Help her!
- [Elisabeth gasps]
- [music stops]
- [nurse] She will fall in!
- Imperial Highness, come away from there.
[Fienchen] No!
- [guard] Why was the Princess unattended?
- [nurse] She must have run away!
- [Elisabeth] I'm here.
- [nurse] I have her!
[guard 2] Your Majesty, may we help?
[Elisabeth whimpers]
- [guard 1] How could you let this happen?
- There was a man by the hedge. He He Um
Majesty? Where was he?
[Fienchen whimpers]
- Your Majesty.
- There. There. Over there.
[Fienchen] Mama.
- [nurse] Stay with me, Princess.
- [Elisabeth] 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.
[Dr Fritsch] 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.
[sighs]
[classical music playing]
[guests chattering in French]
[guests laughing]
[waiter in French] A glass of champagne?
[chattering continues]
[in English] 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.
[chuckles]
Come with me.
Tell me now, what exactly is on your mind?
Majesty, my brother wants to work
more closely with France again.
[chuckles]
[exhales]
[women laughing loudly]
[guests laughing, chattering]
[chattering dies down]
[man clears throat]
[all in French] Your Majesty.
Thank you.
[glasses clinking]
I wish you a pleasant evening.
[in English] To your son.
The newest Napoleon.
[Napoleon chuckles, inhales]
[in French] To your health, my uncle.
Hm.
[in English] His Highness, my brother,
suggests a customs union, Your Majesty.
Wherefore?
Well the two greatest powers in Europe
should be friends, Highness
- [Napoleon grunts]
- 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?
[chuckles]
Absolutely right.
So let me give you some advice.
You shouldn't prevent your dear children
from flying the nest.
[suspenseful music playing]
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?
[chuckles softly]
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.
[globe spinning]
If your brother
does not have a real task for you,
I'll find you one.
[music continues]
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.
[chuckles softly]
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.
- [Maximilian in French] Thank you.
[footsteps receding]
[in English] That idea my brother had?
Majesty? The alliance?
- [Napoleon] I shall consider it.
- [guests chattering]
Thank you, Majesty.
I will tell His Highness.
[classical music playing]
[fire crackling]
[bell rings]
[door opens]
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.
[Dr Seeburger] You will return
to health soon, Your Majesty.
Right.
No, I'm not taking that.
Out of my way.
[Dr Seeburger] Your Majesty.
[exhales sharply]
[door opens]
Your Majesty, the Empress.
[Sophie] Your Majesty.
- When did I ask for a new doctor?
- [door closes]
[Elisabeth breathing heavily]
I am concerned, Elisabeth.
Instead of regaining your strength,
you appear to be losing your senses.
I am sane enough.
[inhales]
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.
[unsettling music playing]
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.
[breathing shakily]
Does he know about what happened?
No, dear.
But we must tell the Emperor,
don't you think?
No.
No.
[music continues]
What if we keep it between us
so he doesn't worry unnecessarily?
Perhaps that's a good idea, hm?
Yes. [sniffles]
Yeah.
I will not tell Franz anything.
I will keep it from him.
[exhales]
But you must do
something for me in return.
[Elisabeth exhales]
[sighs]
[spoon clinks]
[footsteps receding]
[Margarete] 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.
[inhales, sighs]
I understand.
Take but three drops, but never more.
I thank you.
[inhales]
[exhales deeply]
Your mother isn't feeling herself.
That's why we're eating together.
- That's nice, isn't it?
- I don't want it!
[spoon clattering]
Forgive me, Imperial Highness.
That's all for now. You can go.
[nurse] 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.
- [glasses clink]
[guests chattering in French]
- [in English] Imperial Highness.
- [classical music playing]
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?
[footsteps receding]
[horse whinnies]
[Ivan] 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.
[door opens]
Your Majesty.
[Franz] Elisabeth.
Is she all right?
The doctor gave her medicine
to calm her nerves a little.
[Franz] Thank you.
[door opens]
[door closes]
[bottle clinks]
[melancholy music playing]
[in hushed voice] 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.
[Napoleon in French] England.
Prussia.
Russia.
[ominous music playing]
Austria.
Mm.
It's too cramped, isn't it?
Mm. Mm.
Yes, Europe is too cramped.
Ah.
- [worry doll clatters]
- Mm.
[bells tolling]
Another one betrothed.
[wistful music playing]
Yet again. [chuckles]
[laughing, inhales]
It's just insanity.
[water splashes]
[birds chirping]
Your Highness?
I didn't think you'd come.
And now then?
If we don't get moving,
I'm going to freeze here.
[cooing]
[gentle music playing]
[baby whining]
Shh.
[baby shrieks]
What should we name you?
These ladies all have the same name.
Do you want to be a Maria too?
[yawns]
Or a Theresia?
[baby squeals]
Oh, you like her?
[baby coos]
Gisella.
[music swells]
- [Fienchen] Yes, that horse.
- Good. Will you spin it again?
- Yes! Shall I turn it?
- Yes.
[inhales]
[in Italian] Please help us, Empress.
[Dr Seeburger in English]
Your Majesty, good morning.
You look refreshed indeed.
[exhales]
- Please, open your mouth.
- [Elisabeth] Mm.
Mm.
[Dr Seeburger] That is good.
There you are.
- [Dr Seeburger exhales]
- [Elisabeth moans]
If you can, just be calm, Majesty.
[sighs]
- [spits]
- [Dr Seeburger gasps]
I will not be calm.
[dramatic music playing]
[music fades]