Franz sends Maximilian on a diplomatic mission to make an ally of Napoleon III. Sophie schemes to sideline Elisabeth and take charge of her children.

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.

Elisabeth arrives in Vienna for her wedding. Soon enough she faces palace intrigue while Franz attempts to protect his country from going to war.

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.

Sophie and the council push for military action, but Franz refuses to engage. Elisabeth upsets the czar's son, leading to severe political consequences.

Pregnant with her second child, Elisabeth is under pressure to provide a male heir to the throne. An incident occurs during a state visit.

Seeking an escape, Elisabeth retreats to her family in Bavaria. Sophie seizes the moment to procure a better match for Franz.

Elisabeth embarks on a charm offensive across Lombardy-Venetia. Franz gives Maximilian an opportunity to prove his loyalty.

Maximilian gathers support for an evil plan while Elisabeth's well-intended gesture backfires, leading her to befriend the dubious maid, Leontine.

As Leontine asks Alexander to abscond together, he makes a shocking discovery. A visit to Hungary brings tragedy to Franz and Elisabeth.

As the Austrian Empire plunges into war, Elisabeth fights to keep her family together. Sophie discovers the consequences of her actions.

Elisabeth spends her time partying with Maximilian while Franz is desperate to reconcile with her. Leontine gets herself into a precarious situation.