Original subtitles

A NETFLIX SERIES

-[bell tolling] -[door opens]

[porter 1 in Italian] Quickly. The carriage is already waiting.

Careful. Don't drop anything.

[porter 2] Of course.

Are you sure you haven't forgotten anything?

[porter 2] Of course not.

[Andrássy in English] Good morning.

[sighs]

Your Majesty.

[in Hungarian] Wait outside. I'll join you shortly.

[in English] You're…

departing so soon?

Yes.

We will spend Christmas in Vienna.

It was my great honour to have met you.

Farewell.

Till the next time.

[indistinct chatter]

-I'll make my own way. -[escort] Very well, Your Majesty.

I have to admit,

when you introduced yourself…

something told me that we'd met each other before.

In, um… another life somewhere?

No.

I think I must have seen your picture in the news journals.

Surely I have seen your face in them a lot more often, though.

[chuckles] How embarrassing.

That's…

[exhales deeply]

…not what I meant at all.

You see, I felt the same way

when I saw you yesterday.

[gentle string music playing]

As if we knew each other.

I'll see what I can do for Hungary.

I will attend to it.

We would be very grateful for any help there.

Your Majesty.

[breathing heavily]

Will we meet again, do you think?

[breathing deeply]

[sighs]

[theme music playing]

THE EMPRESS

[theme music fades]

-[child crying] -[door opens]

[boy] Come on, let's go!

-[door opens] -This way!

-[Terese exhales] -[door closes]

[scrubbing]

You're still looking unwell.

I didn't sleep very well.

Stand up.

I'm worried about you.

You needn't be, Mother.

[Terese breathing nervously]

[gasps]

[breathing shakily]

You're well into your fifth month.

Who's the father?

I cannot say.

You're protecting that scum again, girl.

He's anything but scum.

You really think he's going to marry you?

You'll leave here today before your father sees.

But I work, and I pay you for my upkeep.

"Thy daughter hath played the harlot,

and she is with child by whoredom."

"And Judah said, 'Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.'" Genesis 38:24.

[sobbing softly]

[melancholy music playing]

[breathes deeply]

[Franz] There.

Rudolf, hold still a moment.

Have you finished your drawing?

Very nice.

-Mama, Papa, Christmas. -[Franz chuckles]

Yes, it's Christmas in two days' time.

[Gisella] And Mother's birthday.

Mother and Jesus Christ have their birthdays on the same day.

[Franz] That's right.

You both look good.

What about me? Will Mama be pleased to see me?

-Possibly. -[chuckles]

Our stopover in Venice was, uh…

interesting, wasn't it?

That Hungarian count.

He made an impression on you.

He gave me his card, so you can write to him.

Why would Her Majesty wish to?

In case Her Majesty has a mind perhaps to speak to him about Hungary.

[inhales deeply]

That will not be necessary. Please keep it, Ida.

[bells tolling]

-Your Majesty. -Your Highness.

What a magnificent day.

I am as thrilled as you are to see our beautiful Empress.

Are you quite well, Mother?

It's Christmastime.

We should forget all the things we quarrel about

and simply spend time as a family.

[inhales deeply]

Don't look at me that way. I am not without a heart.

Has the doctor confirmed that?

-[laughs] -[guard] Imperial Guard!

Attention!

[stirring music playing]

[coachman cueing horses]

[coachman] Halt.

[horse snorts]

[coach door opens]

[valet] Your Majesty.

-I'm back, darling. -[Rudolf] Mama.

Oh.

[Rudolf cooing]

Good day, Mother.

Good day, Gisella.

You have grown so much.

And you know what?

-You look exactly like your father now. -Your Majesty.

It's wonderful to see you again.

I'm happy to see you too.

Your Majesty. You look very well rested.

I think my time away has been good for everyone.

Venice, though, was a little stormy, so I hear.

It was nothing.

Shall we go in?

[music swelling]

-Your Majesty. -Your Majesty.

Charlotte.

Might you please spare me a moment today?

I'd like to ask you something.

Yes. [chuckles softly]

[bell ringing]

[door opens]

[valets] Your Majesty.

There's much more in the Yellow Salon.

Flowers, letters, gifts. The people were very worried about you.

They waited outside every day for your return.

[breathes deeply]

Elisabeth.

-I would like… -[Charlotte] Your Majesty.

Forgive us.

We just wanted to see if Your Majesty needed help unpacking.

Gladly.

[Charlotte] Pauline, help me with the gifts, would you?

I'll let you get settled in. Shall we dine together? Alone?

Yes.

[Charlotte] Yes, those.

[Pauline] I've never seen so many letters in my whole life.

Here. "Your Majesty."

"I pray for your recovery every night."

"I lost both my brothers to pneumonia last autumn."

[Charlotte] Good heavens!

"When darkness comes, I think of you,

and of how you must suffer."

"If you can come through it, we can too. "

You can all now be of particular help to me

with the donations to orphanages, poorhouses, and infirmaries.

-Find out what items they're in need of. -Very well.

[festive piano music playing]

[valet] Your Majesty.

-[door opens] -[footsteps approaching]

Why are you standing outside the door?

Close your eyes.

What for?

Please.

[exhales]

[suspenseful music playing]

[Franz] Open them.

[romantic music playing]

I wanted a special Christmas for us this year.

So I brought the forest to you.

[sighs]

-It is wonderful. -[chuckles softly]

I do hope you're able to forgive me.

Did you see her, Franz? When I was away?

[music fades]

Yes. Two times.

But I assure you

it's been over for a while now.

[breathes deeply]

I don't know if you'll understand this.

But… [inhales deeply]

…since Solferino…

I had to get away from here.

From everybody.

[inhales deeply]

Including you.

I can relate.

I did that on the island too.

I became someone else.

Met new people.

And it felt so good as well.

What new people?

Did you…

Did you have company on the island?

No, not exactly company.

There was just this one evening.

We had some fun at the harbour.

[curious music playing]

The harbour?

And what did you do at the harbour?

Played a card game.

A card game?

Just with some British naval officers.

But fear not.

They didn't recognise me.

They thought I was a waiting woman.

And these, um…

British officers…

were they very charming?

[chuckles softly]

Not really, no.

So you weren't attracted to any of them?

Not even one?

Trust me. Not even one.

[exhales]

[music continues]

[crow cawing]

[wind whooshing]

[music fades]

Stop. No closer. No one is allowed to be here.

I have something for the Emperor.

The rear gate is the place to bring gifts and flowers, miss.

Not this one.

Please.

[sobbing softly]

Can you give this to him?

He knows me.

[guard] Now get away from here.

[breathes sharply]

-[Terese groans] -Open up.

[knocking]

[valet] Good morning.

A letter for you, miss.

For me?

HER HIGHNESS MISS IDA FERENCZY LADY-IN-WAITING

VIENNA

Prince of Hohenlohe.

Thank you, Your Highness, for receiving me.

I did not know where to go.

Can you not stay with your parents?

Sadly, my parents threw me out.

But you can't stay here, can you?

I must speak to the Emperor.

No. That's not possible.

This is his child!

You have no proof of that, I'm afraid.

Please escort the lady to the rear gate. Discreetly.

Without delay.

[panting]

I want to see him!

Or I'll kill his child.

[sobbing] And I'll kill myself.

Drop it immediately.

[Terese] I'm not lying.

[sobbing]

It is his child.

[Terese breathing heavily]

[sobbing]

You can stay here for the time being.

[Charlotte] All the donation boxes down to the carriages.

-These are to go to the orphanage. -[valet] Yes, Countess.

And those over there to the military hospital.

These will need to be freshly laundered and pressed.

I'll inform the coachmen.

Merry Christmas.

This is for you and the sisters, for whatever else you need.

Miss.

[Elisabeth] The boxes contain shoes, coats, toys for the children.

After the holidays, I'd like to pay you a visit,

if that is convenient for you.

-Of course, Majesty. Thank you. -Thank you.

Pauline? Please put this with the packages for the orphanage?

Charlotte, we need to return to the palace guard barracks.

[Ida] Forgive me, Your Majesty, I must speak with you.

[Elisabeth] Ida, what is it?

I have received correspondence from Count Andrássy.

Tell me.

In the New Year, he'll be in Vienna on his way back to Buda.

He requests an audience with Your Majesty to discuss Hungary's future.

The people of Hungary have been through enough, Your Majesty,

-and if you and Count Andrássy were to… -Her Majesty cannot receive him.

The Count was an enemy of the state.

[Ida] But not any more.

Count Andrássy is a leading politician in Hungary, a vital part of the Empire.

[Elisabeth breathes deeply]

Elisabeth, do you wish to receive him?

[pensive music playing]

I'll think about it. Now, if you'll excuse me.

[paper rustles]

[indistinct chatter]

[festive piano music playing]

[Charlotte] Merry Christmas.

How thoughtful of you, Charlotte.

-Merry Christmas. -Merry Christmas.

[Dr Fritsch] How was your day?

I am worried about the Empress.

That sounds familiar.

Something is bothering her, even if she won't admit it.

[inhales deeply]

-I wanted to… -Merry Christmas, Countess.

-Merry Christmas. -Merry Christmas.

[Dr Fritsch] Merry Christmas.

-Could we have a moment alone tonight? -[Pauline] Charlotte?

-I wanted to ask you… -He did mean to come?

The Prince. You heard him say that he was coming, did you not?

I'm not exactly sure.

I'm sorry, Pauline.

[maid] Let us serve but one glass…

He came.

There you are.

Good day.

Doctor.

Ladies.

Well then… Happy Yuletide.

-Merry Christmas. -Merry Christmas.

-Merry Christmas.

-Merry Christmas. -Merry Christmas.

The decorations are most beautiful this year, are they not?

Is there something wrong, Colonel?

Forgive me.

You will have to excuse me.

But…

Have you by any chance some other lady waiting?

No, uh…

Really… No.

Now, you must excuse me.

[footsteps receding]

[tapping]

[footsteps approaching]

[Konstantin] Your Majesty.

Konstantin.

I dismissed you until after Christmas Eve.

Yes. It's just that…

There's something that I wanted to discuss with you.

[Franz] Elisabeth.

[Konstantin] Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

I am aware that you have donated packages of our army's boots to Vienna.

I am sure the Imperial Guard can spare a few dozen pairs.

Our people are as lucky to have you as I am.

Come on now, your mother is waiting.

[Sophie] Let us raise a toast.

To our family!

Should we not wait for Maximilian for that?

Your festive mood, Mother, is more contagious than cholera.

That was very well said.

Let's just hope no one ruins it for you, Mother.

-And who on earth would do that? -[bell rings]

[valet] His Imperial Highness Archduke Maximilian

and Her Imperial Highness Archduchess Marie Charlotte.

Your Majesty.

[Franz] Maximilian.

Franz.

-[Franz] Your Imperial Highness. -Your Majesty.

It's so good that you are here.

Forgive our tardiness, it's been very hectic in Trieste recently.

Hectic?

[Elisabeth] I'm delighted to see you again.

Your Majesty.

Maximilian.

Your Majesty.

[Sophie] Now, let us finally raise that toast.

To all of us being back where we belong.

Merry Christmas.

[all] Merry Christmas.

[Maximilian] We have news.

[Sophie] Oh, really? What news?

It is a crown.

It is for me.

Am I to believe that you gave a crown to yourself?

It was given to me by a nation.

I'm to be Emperor

of Mexico.

[Ludwig] Of where?

Marie and I have been chosen to ascend the throne in Mexico, brother.

Chosen by whom?

I told the Emperor Napoleon expressly that that offer was forbidden, Maximilian.

It is not up to you to forbid Napoleon to do anything.

[Ludwig] If I may be allowed a question…

Why is Napoleon playing kingmaker on the American continent?

He clearly wants to plunder Mexico but needs someone to do the dirty work.

He can also subject Habsburg to blackmail.

No, Mexico needs a new emperor.

And this has nothing to do with Habsburg, I assure you.

-[Sophie] It is always about Habsburg! -[glass shatters]

With you on the Mexican throne,

I'm sure that Napoleon will deem us reliant on him.

And, vain as you are, you fell for it.

-More champagne if you would. -A delegation came to see me in Trieste.

The politicians were wholly committed to offering me the crown

because the Mexican people chose me as their new emperor.

-Don't be such an idiot, Maximilian. -There was a referendum, a poll.

And it was me they preferred.

And so you now want to betray our family for their crown?

When have you ever wanted me to stay?

We are not allowed to give up and abdicate and look for a new life elsewhere.

This is Austria, the Empire, and here we belong.

But Mexico is my destiny.

Men who have no power to hold them up,

they call such things destiny.

This is my one moment in time

when my future lies within my own power.

And what is more,

you cannot take it away from me.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

[sombre music playing]

[Franz] Why would he want to do such a thing?

[Elisabeth] I think he just wants to find the life that's right for him.

Today, it feels as though you haven't quite returned yet.

I apologise.

I didn't sleep enough.

He cannot go.

My brother and I have a duty to this family.

You're right.

Sitting here waiting for him like a child. [scoffs]

Those days are numbered.

Let's hear what he has to say.

That sword there,

my brother got it for Christmas when he was eight years old.

It's been passed down through the ages from emperor to emperor.

But Franz didn't want it though.

-He didn't want it? -It scared him terribly.

Because he thought it meant he had to wage wars and kill with it.

Do you know what I got for Christmas the same year?

Pens and paper.

When I was about 12, I remember finding my brother one Christmas

making our nanny dance naked for him.

-Ah. I think you win. -[bell rings]

[door opens]

[valet] His Majesty, the Emperor.

Your Majesty.

I wanted to talk to you in private.

Would you leave us alone for a little while?

Sit down.

[door opens]

[door closes]

[drink pouring]

[decanter clinking]

I know that you are both looking for your role.

-But it will not be in Mexico. -I have made up my mind, Franz.

We both know that it isn't the right thing for you.

To be the ruler of such an empire, you are not equipped.

I was always the one who wanted to travel the wide world.

To create and conquer. Not you.

-You did not want to be emperor. -It is my birthright.

And only because you were first born.

Not because you're equipped.

Yet, I have come to terms with my place.

Now come to terms with yours.

What did I give you when you couldn't sleep?

-Sulphur matches. -[bell rings]

[valet] Her Imperial Highness the Archduchess.

Your Majesty.

Maximilian.

Marie, come in here as well.

What is this?

As long as Maximilian is part of our family,

Napoleon has a hold over us.

We would be obliged to support Mexico

by providing both troops and money.

But if you sign this, Maximilian, we'll agree to the coronation.

An act of renunciation?

The crown of Mexico can be yours

if you give up your name, your inheritance, your titles,

and the right to the throne of Austria.

I am not asking permission.

If I want the Mexican throne, then I will take it.

I am not sure Napoleon will still want you if your brother threatens retaliation.

[Maximilian scoffs]

You wouldn't do that.

Franz?

No one in this family can place what they desire personally

over what's right for Austria.

You once did.

-Never. -Elisabeth.

You put your desire above everything.

-Elisabeth's a wonderful Empress. -And how fortunate you are.

-He will sign it, Majesty. -Thank you, Marie.

No, I will not sign it!

[voice breaking] As I would be a Habsburg no more!

[pensive music playing]

We could never come back again.

I was under the impression that's just what we wanted.

[Sophie] It's very simple, Maximilian.

This family or a castle in the air.

It's your choice.

[paper rustling]

[door opens]

[glass thuds on table]

[music fades]

[bird chirping]

[knocking on door]

Good morning.

Here is breakfast for you.

[valet] Your Highness.

-So, did you tell the Emperor I'm here? -[door opens]

No.

You can't keep me captive here.

You're not my captive. What do you hope to do?

Accost the Emperor in his bedchamber? Now, eat something!

Please.

[Franz, Gisella singing in German] ♪ Long may she live ♪

♪ Long may she live ♪

♪ Long, long, long ♪

♪ Long may she live Long may she live ♪

[gentle music playing]

[in English] Blow them out.

[both blowing]

-[laughs] -[Rudolf blowing]

[laughing]

[Franz and Elisabeth laugh]

Make a wish, now.

[bell tolling]

[choir singing in German] ♪ Maria walks amid the thorns ♪

♪ Kyrie eleison ♪

♪ Maria walks amid the thorns ♪

♪ Which for seven years No leaf has borne ♪

♪ Kyrie eleison ♪

[priest] And the angel said unto them,

"Fear, you should not."

"For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,

which shall be to all people."

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour…"

You could just tell him that you'll miss him when he's gone.

[priest] And Jesus said unto her,

"Neither do I condemn thee. Go, and sin no more."

With Jesus' command, our most holy Lord gave mankind,

all mankind,

the gift of a new beginning.

But the one true gift was given to us all on Earth

by Our Lord that holy night.

And Jesus Christ gave mankind

one last chance to do what is right and just.

In the name of the Father, the Son,

and the Holy Spirit.

-Amen. -[congregation] Amen.

Amen.

[pensive music playing]

-[Franz] This is for you. -[Elisabeth] This is from St Nicholas.

Let's open it.

-Ah! A ball! [gasps] -[Franz chuckles] Ah.

-[Elisabeth] A bouncy, bouncy ball. -I don't think you have this one, do you?

No. Thank you, Father.

[uplifting music playing]

[exhales shakily]

[sighs]

You sent for me, Your Majesty.

Tell him he cannot come to see me.

There will be no audience for him.

[breathes deeply]

[music fades]

[young Maximilian] Franz?

Can you not sleep again?

Have you just had another bad dream?

[softly] I'll stay up with you.

When will the sun come up again, Maxi?

It's so dark here.

[gentle music playing]

Let me show you something.

What is that?

It's from England. Father brought it back. It's a brand new invention.

Watch.

[exhaling eerily]

[blows]

Here, you keep them.

Light one when it gets dark and you feel scared.

And then I'll think of your stupid face.

That will help.

-Maxi? -Hmm?

Are you never afraid?

I'm not.

-Except of Mother. -[chuckles]

[young Franz breathes deeply]

[water dripping]

[melancholy piano playing]

[door opens]

I was looking for you.

I've been here.

Have you made your decision?

Yes.

What will you do?

No, no, you have to guess.

I'll sign Mother's act of renunciation.

If I don't, then Marie will leave me.

Is that the declaration of war with Napoleon?

I offer up a new proposal,

in place of what Mother wanted.

As long as you are Emperor of Mexico, you have no right to the throne or estate.

But should you lose the crown or abdicate,

you'd be welcomed to again be a Habsburg.

[stops playing piano]

But why should I ever come home?

You might be inclined to, one day.

It's an assurance.

[breathes shakily]

Mexico will be as great as Austria.

I'm certain of that.

-I will prove it to you. -You don't have to prove anything.

I believe in you.

I thank you.

There are still a few left.

-[chuckles softly] -[matchsticks rattling]

[gentle music playing]

If you're scared and have trouble sleeping.

[laughs]

[inhales deeply]

I must speak with Marie and discuss your offer.

[Franz] Don't go.

What do you mean?

To Mexico.

[inhales deeply]

Stay.

I'll miss you terribly.

[music fades]

I have a last question for you, Elisabeth.

I have not had the courage to address before today, but it's been festering.

Who bows first now, if we're both majesties?

[both laugh]

I just so admire your courage, Maximilian.

To just blindly follow your heart.

But we can't do any different.

You and I.

It is simply the way we are.

[horse neighing outside]

[valet] Your Majesty. Your Imperial Highness.

[Franz] I'm glad you could spend Christmas with us, Marie.

[Elisabeth] Take care of yourself.

Come visit us, will you?

How about next winter?

-Yes. -Yes?

[Elisabeth] That would be wonderful.

[Franz] Fare you well, dear brother.

Safe journey to the New World and your new home.

Where's Mother?

She refused to come.

Hmm.

[footsteps approaching]

-[bell rings] -[door opens]

[valet] The Archduke, Imperial Highness.

Mother.

We're about to depart.

[door closes]

Can we not bid farewell cordially?

You betray our family, you renounce our throne,

but you still want your mother to hold you in her arms.

-You're pathetic! -And you are forcing me to.

I am not the heir!

And yet what if Franz perishes first?

Who then will be head of the realm?

Don't you dare do that.

Tempt me with something you would never give me.

This family is where you belong.

Well, it's not now.

There's only one thing in my life I've wanted.

[sombre music playing]

For you to love me.

Yet, you never could.

[breathing deeply]

But Mexico…

Mexico wants me.

And the people will love me there.

Fare you well.

Maman.

You will ruin it, Maximilian!

And I am not saying this because I want you to fail,

but because you always do.

You will not make your mark in the world like this.

You'll be excised from the history books, Maximilian.

And when everything over there goes down in flames,

when the savages hang you,

do not think, even for a moment, that I'll rescue you!

[door closes]

[exhales]

[breathing heavily]

[exhales]

[groaning]

[breathing heavily]

-[rein whips] -[coachman grunts]

So, now it's just us.

[breathes deeply]

I'm going to Vienna.

To visit two hospitals that need my support.

Our subjects will be so happy to see you.

Majesty. Majesty.

Forgive my intrusion.

Your Majesty, there's a situation that the council wishes to discuss at once.

Can it not wait?

It's urgent, Majesty.

Everything's ready for your departure, Your Majesty.

You are pale, Ida.

I'm well, Majesty.

Something's troubling you, Ida. Will you tell me what it is?

-[coachman] Whoa! -[horse neighing]

[coachman cueing]

Why are we stopping here?

Have we lost our way?

[coachman] No, Your Majesty.

[breathes deeply]

You must tell me what is happening.

I…

I wanted to do something to help.

[horse clopping]

[horse snorts]

[pensive music playing]

Open the door.

[horse nickers]

Your Majesty.

I wrote to you explaining that this couldn't work.

Forgive me for ambushing you in this way.

It was wrong of you.

-Miss Ida Ferenczy wrote to me saying… -What did she say to you?

That Your Majesty could feel differently than what she might've felt

obliged to answer in her letter.

That is a liberty.

Unsurprisingly, I need an interpreter for Hungarian,

but not for my feelings.

I think for those, we all would need an interpreter.

[inhales deeply]

Will you grant me just an hour of your time?

I'm sorry, we're expected in Vienna.

It's about Hungary, Your Majesty.

Do not let our people suffer because of my transgression.

Twenty minutes.

I know you are sympathetic to the struggles of our people.

Why is that, Majesty?

Does one ever need a reason to stand up against injustice?

When I went to Hungary for the first time,

I felt such a strong connection to your people.

Your countrymen are different to…

those here in Austria.

Since the war against Napoleon,

the situation at home has only worsened for us.

We want our own constitution.

We want the right to self-determination. We want freedom.

[inhales deeply]

We have waited so long for something to change, Your Majesty.

But now,

we cannot wait any longer.

The Emperor does not pay us any heed, but…

he does you.

I will try to persuade the Emperor.

You have my word.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Do not ambush me any more.

[intriguing music playing]

I…

wanted to see you again.

You appear in my dreams.

Are they good dreams?

[music stirring]

[breathing heavily]

[Andrássy moans softly]

[breathing heavily]

I must go.

[music turns dramatic]

-[inhales deeply] -[door closes]

-[exhales] -[coachman] Go on!

-[horse neighs] -[sighs]

Please forgive me, Your Majesty.

I will help you.

But if that man writes to you again, do not show me.

I must never see him again.

Never.

[breathes deeply]

[sighs]

[sniffles, exhales]

[melancholy music playing]

[door closes]

Your Majesty.

[Terese breathing nervously]

I'm so very sorry.

[dramatic music playing]

[music ends]