Two young people meet. A fateful encounter - the proverbial love at first sight. He is Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary, she is Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, Princess of Bavaria and the sister of the woman Franz is to marry…
One's Place in the World
Helene and Elisabeth travel to meet Emperor Franz, who is expected to ask for Helene’s hand. At the party, he stuns everyone with a surprise decision.
The Arrival
Elisabeth arrives in Vienna for her wedding. Soon enough she faces palace intrigue while Franz attempts to protect his country from going to war.
The Wedding
Elisabeth marries Franz, and the royal family gets a taste of her rising popularity. Sophie’s former lover attends the wedding and discovers a secret.
The Hunt
Sophie and the council push for military action, but Franz refuses to engage. Elisabeth upsets the czar's son, leading to severe political consequences.
The Shoes
Maximilian gathers support for an evil plan while Elisabeth's well-intended gesture backfires, leading her to befriend the dubious maid, Leontine.
The God Who Us Has Freedom Sent
Elisabeth spends her time partying with Maximilian while Franz is desperate to reconcile with her. Leontine gets herself into a precarious situation.