Season 2, Episode 1 of "The Empress" kicks off with a thrilling leap into the year 1856. At the majestic gates of Vienna, we encounter Adolfo, who discreetly extricates himself from his Lombard-Venetian escort to procure a token of affection for the beloved empress. Speaking of the empress, her belly swells with anticipation for her second bundle of joy, while her firstborn, Sophie Fienchen, blossoms into a charming tot. The bond between her and Franz remains as steadfast as ever, and the palace buzzes with excitement about the possibility of her carrying the next heir to the throne—a fact the midwife confidently attests to. Sophie harbors a longing for a male heir, her mind clouded by Napoleon's recent sonning, eager to cement the Habsburgs' future.
On this particular day, the palace teems with bustling activity as the empress prepares to welcome foreign delegates, aiming to mend fences with her people. Charlotte diligently drills the novice ladies-in-waiting, all while attempting to assert her authority over Leontine. Meanwhile, Leontine finds herself ensnared in a fiery romance with Alexander, yet hesitates to validate their relationship with a formal title. As it stands, Sophie harbors a discreet discontent towards Elisabeth's schemes, though she bears them with a grudging acceptance. The two ladies also clash on the parenting front, each holding differing visions for Fienchen's upbringing.
The hosting ceremony unfolds with seamless elegance, as Elisabeth captivates the delegations by greeting each in their native tongue and warmly embracing their tokens of goodwill. Yet, the mood takes a drastic downturn when it comes to Lombardy Venetia's turn. Adolfo steps forward with a cow's tongue as his gift, stunning Elisabeth to her core. Pleading for her intervention to liberate his people, he attempts a hasty retreat but is swiftly cut down by gunfire. Ignoring Franz's commands, Elisabeth dashes to Adolfo's side, her heart heavy with concern.
In the aftermath of this harrowing scene, an urgent meeting is convened. The Count from Lombardy Venetia strives to establish their innocence, desperate to disassociate themselves from Adolfo's radical politics. Meanwhile, Elisabeth tasks Leontine with delving deeper into Adolfo's background and motivations.
Returning to the meeting, the general declares an intensification of military forces in Lombardy Venetia. Boulinterjects, cautioning Franz that merely bolstering troops will be inadequate. He reveals that the Kingdom of Piedmont harbors ambitions to unite all Italian-speaking territories and sever their ties to Austria. Furthermore, Piedmont's Prime Minister has been vocally opposing the Habsburgs, stirring up trouble on multiple fronts. Franz, displeased by his team's oversight in keeping him informed, faces a dwindling reputation following the last war's aftermath.
Despite this, Franz proposes aligning with Napoleon as an ally. Sophie, however, opposes the idea, arguing that Napoleon lacks a legitimate claim to the imperial throne. Yet, Franz remains steadfast in his conviction.
Elsewhere, we are reunited with Maximilian, who finds himself in the depths of exile. Plunged into a漩涡 of despair, his repeated pleas for forgiveness have fallen on deaf ears, leaving him neglected and forsaken. He finds himself on the brink of contemplating suicide, yet acknowledges his own cowardice, unable to carry out such a drastic act.
In the bustling capital, Leontine approaches Alexander with a mission, seeking information on Adolfo as per the Empress's urgent request. Alexander, driven by affection, pops the question to her, but she reluctantly declines, her heart heavy with the burden of her disguised identity. Meanwhile, Elisabeth and Franz engage in a heated debate, grappling with the morality of Adolfo's demise. Their conversation is abruptly interrupted as Elisabeth begins to experience contractions, prompting the swift summons of the midwives.
However, the baby arrives prematurely, and Elisabeth, with a mother's intuition, senses that all is not well. Franz hastily summons a doctor, but amidst the chaos of labour, Elisabeth encounters complications. Her body begins to hemorrhage uncontrollably, and she faints momentarily after giving birth. When Franz and Sophie are informed that the newborn is a girl, their hopes are dashed, leaving them disheartened and defeated. The episode concludes on a poignant note, with Maximilian, still in exile, receiving a letter from Franz, hinting at unresolved tensions and ongoing dramas.
