Episode 2 of Season 2 of "The Empress" kicks off with a swift transition to a week later, where Elisabeth lies unconscious, plunged into a vivid dreamscape featuring Adolfo. The attending physicians relay to the king a grim diagnosis: Elisabeth is battling an infection accompanied by a feverish spike. Sophia, ever the inquisitive interloper, inserts herself into the conversation, querying the doctor about Elisabeth's fertility, to which the physician solemnly responds that another pregnancy could spell doom for both mother and child. However, Franz remains unperturbed by this revelation; his sole concern is the restoration of his wife's health. Sadly, Franz has been estranged from his newborn daughter, having yet to visit her side.
On the geopolitical horizon, Franz confronts the looming specter of revolution in Lombardy-Venetia. Skeptical of military intervention, he remains hesitant. The cardinal proposes the establishment of a papal state, a notion that Alexander vigorously opposes. Sophia underscores the urgency, suggesting Lombardy-Venetia as merely the precursor to broader upheavals and advocating an exhaustive approach to address them. The emperor subsequently tasks the cardinal with drafting a conceptual framework. Buol brings to Franz's attention intelligence indicating Piedmont's receipt of assistance from Napoleon. Reluctantly, Franz insists on reaching out to Napoleon to safeguard European peace.
Into this complex scenario steps Maximilian. Franz summons him from his exile, assigning him a pivotal mission. Despite harboring mistrust towards Maximilian, Franz acknowledges him as the ideal envoy to Napoleon, tasked with negotiating a customs union. Franz emphasizes his position not as a brother but as a king, sternly forbidding Maximilian from inquiring about Elisabeth.
Maximilian embarks on his journey to France, where fate conspires to introduce him to Princess Charlotte Marie of Belgium when her train malfunctions. She seeks his assistance, and he readily offers her a ride on his train. Their conversation uncovers her as an enchanting young woman with a keen intellect, reigniting Maximilian's romantic affections. Alas, as she prepares to disembark, she reveals her engagement to the king of Portugal, dashing his hopes.
Following this encounter, Franz returns to Elisabeth's side, where she finally emerges from her slumber. She earnestly requests to see their newborn, feeling hurt by Franz's delay in naming her. Sophia too visits Elisabeth's chambers, reminding her of her royal duty to produce an heir. Elisabeth resolutely declares her reluctance to endure another pregnancy, but Sophia remains steadfast, undeterred. As a punishment, Sophia orders the nurses to solely attend to her grandchildren, also orchestrating a switch of Elisabeth's doctor.
Elisabeth engages Franz in a conversation about their lack of a son, prompting him to assert that he does not echo his mother's belief that daughters hold lesser worth. Yet, he concedes that securing their kingdom is paramount, especially considering Napoleon's possession of an heir. Elisabeth confronts him further for neglecting to name their daughter and expresses her yearning to contribute more meaningfully to their realm. She also reveals her dreams about Adolfo, believing they are messages from beyond. Franz dismisses her as delusional, igniting Elisabeth's anger.
Upon arriving in France, Maximilian meets with Napoleon, who unveils his grand plans for a revitalized Paris. He extends an invitation to Maximilian to attend a soiree later that evening to delve deeper into Franz's desires. At the soiree, Maximilian shares his brother's aspiration for a customs union with Napoleon. The emperor hints that his focus might shift elsewhere, citing Europe's congestion. He also presents Maximilian with an offer of a more prestigious title if he aligns with him. Regarding Franz's proposal, Napoleon promises to ponder it. During the event, Maximilian encounters Marie, and later, he instructs Ivan to discreetly contact her, arranging a meeting along the Seine the following day.
Meanwhile, back in Austria, Elisabeth attempts to sneak into the gardens to play with Frienchen but overtaxes herself, leading to visions of Adolfo. She loses sight of Frienchen, and the young girl narrowly escapes drowning in a pond. Guards rush to her rescue and search for the bloody figure Elisabeth insists she saw. Sophia learns of the incident and calls in her new doctor, who diagnoses Elisabeth with acute hysterical neurosis. He prescribes heavy sedation, which Sophia approves. Elisabeth resists the medication, but Sophia threatens to inform Franz about the garden ordeal. Ultimately, Elisabeth relents and takes the pills, finding Franz beside her as she sleeps. He notices the medication and appears sorrowed. As Elisabeth recovers, Sophia devotes more time to Frienchen.
Concurrently, Leontine visits Elisabeth, providing her with additional details about Adolfo's demise from his injuries and presenting his necklace. Elisabeth notices the tension between Charlotte and inquires about it. Marie is unable to disclose the truth about Leontine, prompting Elisabeth to intervene and request an end to their squabble.
The next day, Marie meets with Maximilian and agrees to give him a chance. In Austria, Franz finally bonds with his newborn daughter and names her Gisella. Sophia spends increased time with Frienchen, while Elisabeth dismisses the new doctor and defiantly refuses to continue with his medication.
