In the enchanting teatime tableau that unfolds in Episode 4 of Season 2 of "The Empress," Fienchen is enveloped in the blissful camaraderie of sharing intimate moments with her beloved parents. However, her father's thoughts appear to wander beyond the present, his mind preoccupied. The Empress, a keen observer of her husband's emotions, subtly probes into the depths of his distracted mind. He unburdens himself, confessing his anxiety about Maximilian's capacity to quell the fiery tempest of revolution in Lombardy-Venetia. Moreover, he voices his deep-seated concerns for Hungary, hinting at a longing to embark on a journey to that troubled land.
Elisabeth, the steadfast pillar of support, immediately suggests that they venture forth on this mission, with their cherished children in their wake. However, Sophie, particularly adverse to the notion of Fienchen accompanying them, voices her vehement opposition. Her dissent grows more intense upon learning of Fienchen's inclusion in the travel plans. Desperate to sway her niece's decision, Sophie resorts to manipulative tactics, such as gifting her kittens, hoping to coax Fienchen into declining the journey.
Meanwhile, Leontine, citing a bout with the flu, chooses to remain behind, though her true reason is far more profound—she is with child. Charlotte, astute and observant, subtly probes into Leontine's intentions. Unaware of the pregnancy, Elisabeth, delighted by the prospect of Leontine's recovery, readily agrees to her staying put.
The journey to Hungary stretches on, marked by mundane miles but unblemished by mishaps. Upon arrival, Fienchen complains of a stomach ache, which Elisabeth misattributes to carsickness. She propositions Franz to accompany her and the children on a riverside stroll, an offer he readily embraces. As the family walks along the tranquil water's edge, watching Fienchen joyfully splash about, she innocently wonders why stars aren't visible during the daylight hours. Franz, ever the enchanting father, picks up a river stone and, with a sparkle in his eye, tells her it's a fallen star.
Back in the bustling city of Vienna, Sophie grapples with the unsettling spectacle of Luiwizi's growing infatuation with a young baron. Desperate for guidance, she seeks the Cardinal's intervention. The Cardinal, stern and unyielding, forces Luiwizi to kneel and repeat his repentance. In a similar bid to sever the ties, Sophie cancels Luiwizi's piano lessons, effectively cutting off any pretense of future encounters with the baron.
On the opposite end of the sprawling estate, Leontine endeavors to persuade Alexander to abandon the palace and embark on a serene life in a quaint village. Alexander finds himself in a quandary, as her desires seem to fluctuate like the tides. Keeping her pregnancy a closely guarded secret, she ventures to an orphanage, feigning a mission on behalf of the empress. She inquiries about the orphanage's acceptance of newborns, to which the nun responds affirmatively with a gentle nod.
Returning from their stroll, Fienchen's health takes a turn for the worse. The nanny reveals that prior to their journey, the princess had suffered a mild bout of diarrhea. They promptly summon Doctor Seeburger, who had accompanied them. After a thorough examination, the doctor assures them that Fienchen's discomfort stems from teething and there's no cause for alarm. Elisabeth, however, persists in her conviction that something is amiss, though the doctor dismisses her concerns as mere paranoia. Undeterred, Elisabeth decides to stay by Fienchen's side, leaving Franz to engage in conversation with the newly appointed justice minister, Count Nadasdy, alone.
The subsequent morning, Fienchen awakens feeling rejuvenated, leading them to believe that the worst had indeed passed. Elisabeth resolves to accompany Franz on his three-day expedition to the vast Hungarian Plain, where they are to meet with the landowners. The journey is both fruitful and fleeting, as Doctor Seeburger hastily recalls them. Regrettably, his initial diagnosis was incorrect. According to the local paediatrician, Fienchen is battleing typhoid fever. The empress spends a harrowing night at Fienchen's bedside, praying for her recovery. Franz remains steadfast by their side as well.
Meanwhile, in the enchanting city of Vienna, Alexander's world crumbles around him upon an unforeseen encounter with the authentic father of Leontine. Stunned to his core, he seeks deeper enlightenment by consulting with Margarete, hoping to unravel the tangled web of deceit. Regrettably, Leontine has indulged excessively in the medications prescribed by Dr. Seeburger, rendering her incapacitated in a drugged stupor.
Ultimately, Alexander confronts Leontine, presenting her with an ultimatum that cuts like a sharp blade: to depart the palace stealthily by the break of dawn the next day. As he had foreseen, Leontine flees at the first glimmer of daylight, her figure disappearing into the horizon. From afar, he watches her departure, his heart shattering into countless fragments, each piece reflecting the depth of his shattered emotions.
In Hungary, Sophie's condition deteriorates throughout the night. As dawn breaks, Elisabeth awakens from her brief nap to find her daughter's lifeless body, her world shattered in an instant.
