Original subtitles

Elisabeth.

Elisabeth, do you hear me?

It will all be okay.

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 doing?

The bleeding has subsided. That's good.

But the infection is still raging, hence the high fever.

When will she awaken from this state?

All we can do is wait for the fever to drop.

That won't suffice. Help her!

Excuse me, Doctor.

Your Majesty, you should also get some sleep.

Dr Fritsch, I have a question.

Will the Empress be able to birth another child?

The Empress will want to know as soon as she awakens.

Another pregnancy

could be life-threatening.

Don't worry. Her Majesty's fate lies in God's hands, Your Imperial Highness.

Sorry, I'm a scientist, and I stick to facts.

Where science reaches its limits, the Lord takes over.

Then let me put it more clearly.

I advise against further pregnancies.

We should seek a second opinion, Imperial Highness.

That's enough!

I want her to live.

That's all I care about.

You can leave.

Your Majesty, they're asking if you want to see the newborn Princess.

It's been nearly a week since the birth.

No.

Since the incident at the imperial reception,

we conducted investigations in Lombardy-Venetia.

Clearly many months too late.

And, indeed,

a new revolutionary movement has formed in the region.

We already boosted our military presence.

All rebellious machinations will be nipped in the bud.

If the revolution comes again, we shouldn't repeat the same mistakes.

Any other ideas?

Besides military force.

Your Majesty, the Lombards are very devout.

A clear word from Pope Pius in Rome

will bring the people of the region back to us.

And what is Habsburg meant to do for Rome in return?

Pope Pius wants Austria to have

a stronger bond between the Church and the state.

A papal state?

Your Majesty, no. I don't think it's a good idea…

Interestingly enough, no one is asking you.

-Anything domestic concerns me directly. -Is that so?

Here I was thinking our Emperor has absolute power.

Lombardy is only the beginning.

Other ethnic groups will follow their example.

We have to try everything to reach the people.

Write a draft, Cardinal.

I'll look at it.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty,

there is a lot of evidence that the Kingdom of Piedmont

is supporting, even encouraging, the Lombards' efforts for independence.

An alliance with France remains our priority.

Piedmont is inferior to us in every way.

We really don't need Napoleon's help to keep them in check…

We don't need him as a war ally.

I want to ensure long-term peace in Europe with Napoleon.

In the meantime, do we know who will travel to Paris?

He won't have me hanged, will he?

Not after all this time.

That would be silly.

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 this?

Are there no barbers in Trieste?

Mother.

Careful. Or I might get the impression that you missed me.

Don't be silly.

Are you serious?

The last few days were hard enough on your brother.

But every healthy child is reason to rejoice.

Mother thinks Franz is so sad because of Elisabeth.

Why? What happened to her?

A difficult birth. She's not out of the woods yet.

Go on now. He's waiting for you.

Your Majesty, the Archduke.

Your Majesty.

Maximilian.

Congratulations on your second daughter.

Thank you.

Your Majesty. I've waited so long for this moment…

I called you here to do a service to the family.

After all I've done, you still want more?

Forgive me.

Is this the right time to joke?

I joke when I'm scared.

There's a new independence movement in our empire.

In Lombardy-Venetia.

With outside support from the Kingdom of Piedmont.

I'm sure your advisors know what to do.

Military pressure is their means of choice, I believe.

What would you do?

You want my opinion?

We…

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

We are isolated in Europe.

We have no allies.

Even the Prussians have grown unruly, I know.

Well?

Napoleon.

I'd say you need Napoleon.

However, I wouldn't get my hopes up very much. The French have never liked us.

They always liked you.

-You want me to speak to Napoleon? -And put in a good word for us.

For a change.

Napoleon and Eugénie just had a son.

Tell them congratulations for me and offer them a customs union.

A customs union?

As a starting point.

I won't beg for an alliance.

-I'm sorry to hear Elisabeth… -Do not speak of her.

-I just wanted… -Never again.

How is this supposed to work, us starting over?

I'm asking for a favour in the name of the Crown. That's it.

-Then you must trust me again. -I don't have to do anything.

You depart in two hours. Send me a telegram once you've spoken to Napoleon.

Why are you sending me?

If I can't be trusted?

Prove me otherwise.

Your Majesty.

Please, leave us alone.

I'll just rest for a moment.

Empress.

Empress.

Empress.

Empress!

Elisabeth.

It's me.

Everything's fine.

Everything's fine. It's me.

Where's my child?

Is it all right?

Yes.

It's a healthy girl.

Can I see her?

Yes.

I thought I'd lose you.

I'm so happy.

Imperial Highness.

Look at that, Ivan.

Yesterday on the rubbish heap in exile, today on our way to see Napoleon.

Isn't life full of miracles?

If we stop in every hamlet, Napoleon's son will have hair on his balls

by the time we reach Paris.

Another train has broken down, Your Highness.

That very train was carrying a high-born person

who has enquired whether she can travel to Paris with you.

She?

So who is this person?

Her Royal Highness, Princess Marie Charlotte of Belgium.

His Imperial Highness, Archduke Maximilian of Austria.

Your Royal Highness, it is my pleasure.

May I introduce my court ladies?

Duchess von Bransner and Countess von Metternich-Zichy.

-Your Imperial Highness. -Your Imperial Highness.

I hear your journey has not gone as planned. I'm sorry about that.

Don't be. It was wonderful. A three-hour delay in Innsbruck,

then another interruption due to lambs on the tracks.

-Oh, no. -Then a defective switch near Kufstein.

Didn't your brother just upgrade the railway network?

I was for investing in hot air balloons, but no one listens to me.

Is there anything I can do to lift your spirits?

I am in fantastic spirits, Your Highness.

Please, sit down.

Ivan.

Ladies, please take a seat.

What can I bring you?

What brings you to Paris? If I may ask.

-You may ask anything. -Your Highness?

-A hot cup of tea, please. Thank you. -With pleasure.

A private matter.

Private matters are my favourite.

Everyone knows that.

She has so much hair. Have you seen?

I can't believe that we made it through that.

She's a miracle.

Do you want to hold her?

The Princess must drink.

Can't I do that myself?

Your Majesty, you were unconscious for a very long time. You have no milk.

Your Majesty?

You'll be back on your feet soon.

Promise me that you'll rest, okay?

Yes.

What's her name?

Did you give her a name?

Not yet.

I'm so happy you're doing better.

BIRTH OF SECOND DAUGHTER ANNOUNCED

Before you ask, yes.

She is as beautiful as everyone says.

-I didn't want to know that. -Everyone wants to know.

I'd be more interested to know if she has any influence on the Emperor's actions.

Or is she just pretty?

It's not that simple.

What's not simple about it? Does she have any say at court in Vienna?

She is full of life, and full of ideas. My brother admires her very much, but…

But he's just a man who won't let anyone tell him what to do.

Sometimes, the time isn't ripe for new ideas.

For women who have a mind of their own, you mean?

You should meet my mother someday.

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

At that rate, it's no wonder you get through women so quickly.

I didn't introduce them to my mother.

You are highly amusing.

But you never laugh.

It's congenital.

The doctors say a different climate may help.

Champagne, Imperial Highness.

To the Emperor, the Empress, and their newborn daughter.

To women with minds of their own.

Open your mouth.

That's the spirit.

Bone broth is a miracle cure.

It cured my mother and my auntie of the Spanish flu.

And they were as good as gone.

I'd like to see Leontine.

Can you get her?

I asked her to find something out for me.

I already tried,

but she's nowhere to be found.

Open up.

-Thanks. I'll do it myself. -No way.

I will not leave your side until you're better.

We finally have some real time together.

The Archduchess, Your Majesty.

Your Imperial Highness.

Elisabeth.

What a relief.

You look much better.

Don't be sad.

It will work out next time.

Next time?

You'll have an heir.

Don't listen to what the doctor said.

The doctor hasn't been here.

Dr Fritsch is concerned another pregnancy may endanger your life.

What a good memory you have. Wonderful.

Leave us alone, please.

Don't listen to that chatter.

You're young.

You will recover swiftly.

I don't think I can do it again.

I was pregnant ten times.

I lost four children.

I bore six, one of them dead.

We women can endure much more than men think.

But I don't think I want to do it again.

We need an heir to the throne, Elisabeth.

And then a second boy in case the first doesn't make it.

That's how it has been for centuries.

And you are not going to change that.

I forgive your silliness because you've been through a lot.

Get some rest.

How is the Empress?

Only just risen from the dead and more insufferable than ever before.

She needs absolute peace. She must stay in bed.

Make an announcement.

No walks, no visits.

And the children will be looked after by the nannies alone.

-Doctor's orders. -Understood, Your Imperial Highness.

But the children… Is that meant as punishment?

On the contrary.

I simply want her to recover.

And besides, the more she longs for her children,

the more she'll want another one soon.

Of course.

And get me a new doctor.

Yes, Your Imperial Highness.

Elisabeth.

What are you doing here?

You should stay in bed.

Here, sit down.

Did something happen?

Your mother paid me a visit.

Do you also want me to have another child as soon as possible?

Franz?

I only want you to get better.

That's not an answer.

Tell me what you think.

We need a boy.

You know that.

Today? Or is next week okay?

I know girls have less worth in this family.

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

You barely even looked at her properly, Franz. You didn't even give her a name…

I was worried about you, Elisabeth.

I also have to govern an empire. It's about our position in Europe.

Napoleon has secured an heir.

Oh. If we're doing it for Napoleon, then that's a different story.

I didn't mean it that way.

-I'm sorry. -I understand you, Franz.

It's just…

There are other things I want to do.

For our empire.

Not just bear children.

-That time will come. -No, now.

I dreamt about the young man,

the one we shot.

Over and over again.

I can't explain it.

That man died before your eyes.

No, he wanted to tell me something.

He wanted to tell you something? From the afterlife?

He wants our help.

He's dead.

-I know how it sounds. -It sounds insane.

Maybe it's best you go back to bed.

Maybe it's best if you sleep here tonight.

Your Majesty, why aren't you in bed?

I want to see my children.

The nannies will take care of them while you're still so weak.

I want Fienchen to sleep here again.

Please, Your Majesty, you have to lie down.

Don't you wish to have breakfast with the Empress?

No, I don't.

Any news from Paris?

The train should arrive soon. The meeting with Napoleon is at midday.

I hate sitting around waiting for others to handle things for me.

-What is that? -Pea juice.

It's supposed to increase the chances of having male offspring.

With warm regards from your mother, Your Majesty.

That's enough. I have to get out of here.

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

His family runs a small weaving mill near Milan.

His father served in the last emperor's army.

I have something else.

This belonged to him.

Maybe Franz is right.

Maybe it's all just a crazy dream.

You're up again already.

And you?

-Good morning, Charlotte. -No visitors.

Those were my instructions.

What is it always with you two?

I want Leontine and you, Charlotte, to always be with me, as I desire.

-She… -She what?

She what, Charlotte?

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

Please.

Then stop it.

Both of you. Once and for all.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Imperial Highness, Princess Marie Charlotte of Belgium.

Your Highness.

Good morning.

I hope it wasn't too uncomfortable here.

No trouble at all.

I wanted to say goodbye.

-Are you jumping out of the train? -We'll be in Paris in a few minutes.

The ladies and I must hurry. Remember, I'm a day late.

At least have a sip of tea.

A pear?

What's the rush?

What so urgently awaits you in Paris?

I'm meeting my future husband.

All I need to do is consent.

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

And who is the lucky man?

Pedro V,

King of Portugal.

Never heard of it. Portugal?

Where would that be?

And what are you doing in Paris?

I'm on a diplomatic mission,

arranging an important alliance.

-Then we're actually doing the same thing. -True.

Perhaps you can lend me a dress that would accentuate my cleavage.

Sorry. It went down the wrong way.

Your Highnesses, we are arriving in Paris.

We are arriving in Paris.

Goodbye.

It's been a pleasure.

All right, we're not here for fun.

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.

How thoughtful.

Allow me to introduce you to Baron Haussmann.

It's a pleasure.

I've heard a lot about you.

Your Majesty?

This will be a masterpiece.

And my legacy to the world.

Paris?

We all want to leave something behind, don't we?

Large boulevards

from one end of the city to the other.

No little alleys like in the Middle Ages when people had to walk through shit.

That's over.

So that traffic can flow and…

so can the shit.

Perfect.

The heart, a square

where all streets converge.

The Place de l'Étoile.

Beautiful.

A place where people can celebrate, and I can speak to them.

You have to speak to the people.

Your brother must know that, must he not?

Sure.

But now, for the best of all.

All you have to do is turn the cannon,

and you can shoot in any direction.

I learned it during the revolution.

You still haven't told me why you're here.

-My brother… -No.

This is so exciting.

Come to my little soirée tonight.

And you'll tell me everything there.

Thank you.

Fienchen.

Fienchen. I'm here.

Yes. Come here.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes. Come with me.

Hello.

Mummy.

Mummy.

Fienchen, wait. Wait for me.

Fienchen.

Empress.

Fienchen?

Fienchen?

Empress.

The Princess. Save her!

Grab hold of the Princess.

-Imperial Highness, get away from there. -No. No!

-Why was the Princess unattended? -She must've run away.

I'm here.

Your Majesty, can we help you?

-Pay better attention next time. -There was a man by the hedge. He… He…

Your Majesty, what do you mean?

-Careful. -There. Over there.

-Mummy. -Your mother is fine.

He was over there.

I think this was an acute hysterical nervous breakdown,

triggered by the disappointment of the birth.

-I see it frequently in women. -My dear colleague, please.

-We have not yet examined Her Majesty. -I have a very effective new remedy.

That's a strong sedative.

It…

It sedates patients,

and that's it.

Dr Seeburger, I fully trust you.

Do what you think is best.

But Your Imperial Highness, this remedy won't help the Empress…

Thank you, Dr Fritsch. You can go.

A glass of champagne?

You like her? The Belgian Princess?

She could make a wonderful queen.

For Portugal.

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

Come along.

Tell me what's on your mind.

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

-Your Majesty. -Your Majesty.

Thank you.

I wish you a pleasant evening.

To your son.

The newest Napoleon.

To your health, my uncle.

My brother, the Emperor, would like to propose a customs union, Your Majesty.

Why?

Well, Europe's two most powerful empires should be friends,

not enemies.

That's what my brother believes.

Your brother's empire is special, I think.

Habsburg has so many different cultures, different languages.

11 official languages and 25 ethnicities to be exact.

I imagine it as a family with a whole lot of different children.

And lots of children mean lots of worries. Am I right?

Yes.

You're right.

I'll give you some advice.

You should never hold back children who want to leave the nest.

Like the Lombards, for example?

For example.

I think children who misbehave actually just want to be loved.

You are a rear admiral, correct?

Why doesn't your brother have a better position for you?

Have you ever been to South America?

Argentina,

Ecuador,

Peru,

Mexico.

-That's where the future is. -So you're losing interest in Europe?

No. But it is getting crowded.

And when things get crowded,

there's usually one too many.

If your brother doesn't have a real task for you,

I'll find one.

I have something for you.

They're called "worry dolls."

They are from Mexico.

Every night, children tell the dolls their worries,

one for each doll.

Lombardy.

Hungary.

No heir to the throne.

Then you put them under your pillow

and have one worry less the next day.

Take them to your brother.

Perhaps he can use them.

I have more.

Thank you.

And my brother's proposal?

Your Majesty? The alliance?

I'll consider it.

Thank you, Your Majesty. I'll gladly pass that on.

Your Majesty, my name is Dr Seeburger.

It is an honour.

I'm here to help you.

Where is Dr Fritsch?

Upon consultation with the Archduchess,

Dr Seeburger will take over Your Majesty's treatment as of today.

You will be feeling better soon, Your Majesty.

All right.

No, I'm not taking that.

Let me through.

Your Majesty.

Her Majesty, the Empress.

Your Majesty.

Did you send that doctor to me?

I am worried, Elisabeth.

Instead of regaining your strength, you appear to be losing your wits…

I'm not losing my wits.

I heard you saw someone in the park.

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

And that's why you lost sight of your child.

You put Princess Sophie in great danger, Elisabeth.

She is utterly frightened.

I didn't mean to.

What if something had happened to her?

-I just… -Shh…

I know that.

It has been a hard week.

-Yes. -Franz will understand.

Does he know what happened in the park?

I don't think so.

But we have to tell him, don't you think?

No.

No.

Or we can keep it to ourselves.

So he doesn't worry unnecessarily.

Maybe that's a good idea.

Yes.

Yes.

I won't tell Franz anything.

I won't tell him.

But you'll do something for me, all right?

Doctor?

I also have a concern.

I have heart palpitations and severe headaches at night.

I recommend some herbal tea or a warm bath.

That helps most ladies.

Most women don't work for the Archduchess.

I need something stronger.

I see.

Take three drops. Never more.

Thank you.

Your mother isn't feeling well.

That's why we're eating together.

That's nice, isn't it?

I want to do it!

Forgive me, Your Imperial Highness.

Leave it. You can go.

You like doing everything by yourself?

I can understand that.

Do you know what?

From now on, we'll call you Sophie.

That was your baptismal name, and it suits you much better.

Don't you think?

To us, Sophie.

Imperial Highness.

Your Royal Highness.

Ladies.

I hope you had a pleasant evening with King Pedro.

Of course, we did.

He is an impressive man.

King Pedro has a palace right by the sea.

And he has an island in the Indian Ocean.

I am certain he'll propose this week.

And you find no fault in him?

He doesn't make me laugh.

Has anyone ever done that?

Duchess.

-One moment, please. -The carriages are waiting.

The Archduke will take a walk along the Seine tomorrow morning.

Then the Archduke should wear his long johns.

It's chilly by the river this time of year.

Would you let the Princess know?

Please?

The Archduke is still next in line for the Austrian crown, isn't he?

Yes.

Good night.

Your Majesty.

Elisabeth.

Is she all right?

The doctor gave her something to get some good sleep.

Thank you.

If I could, I'd live somewhere on a mountain with you.

I'd be happy with only girls.

I'd teach them to hunt.

You'd teach them to ride.

I wish I could just be a father.

England.

Prussia.

Russia.

Austria.

It's too cramped, isn't it?

Yes, Europe is too cramped.

A newly engaged woman.

Yet again.

This is madness.

Your Highness?

I didn't think you'd come.

And now?

If we don't move, I'll leave. I'm freezing.

What should we name you?

These ladies all have the same names.

Do you want to be a Maria?

Or a Theresia?

You like her?

Gisella.

-Yes, that horse. -Turn it once more?

-Yes, do you want it to turn? -Yes.

Do you like…

Please help us, Empress.

Your Majesty, good morning.

You already look very refreshed.

Okay, please open your mouth.

That's good. Very good.

Be nice and calm, Your Majesty.

I will not be calm.

Subtitle translation by: Kristopher Brame