Episode 5 of Season 2 of "The Empress" kicks off with the poignant burial of Princess Fienchen, plunging Elisabeth into a sea of inconsolable grief. She scorns Franz for removing her from her sister's side during her final moments, and her rage escalates when Sophia attempts to mediate. Following the solemn ceremony, Elisabeth retreats to her home, spending her days wandering aimlessly through the forest and refusing sustenance.
In the palace, Franz's concentration wanes amidst reports detailing Maximilian's concentration on enhancing education, churches, and fortifying hospitals and libraries across Lombardy-Venetia. Buol, convinced that Maximilian's peaceful approach to quell the Milanese resistance is failing, presses Franz to consider military intervention. However, Franz remains largely oblivious to their pleas. Sophia, concerned about Elisabeth's disappearance and Franz's own descent into melancholy, attempts to rekindle his sense of duty by urging him to attend theatrical performances. She even resorts to pleading with Louise to seduce and console Franz, but Louise politely declines her proposition.
Elsewhere in Bayern, Elisabeth finds herself counseling her younger sister Mimi against marrying for love, her faith in both love and religion shattered by recent travails. Her mother strives to steer her towards healing and acceptance, yet Elisabeth's stubbornness makes this a formidable challenge.
Meanwhile, in Milan, Maximilian hosts a glittering soiree for the city's elite, but his revelry is abruptly cut short by news that a general has forcibly recruited local youth into the military to combat the rebels. Incensed, Maximilian confronts the general and summarily dismisses him for undermining his authority. The general, however, remains steadfast in his belief that revolution is imminent and that rebels are decimating his troops.
Maximilian and Marie are further troubled by their inability to sway public opinion. Adding to their woes, the doctor delivers a grim diagnosis to Maximilian: he may have become infertile due to past STIs.
Regarding Elisabeth, she came to the realization that her younger sister, Helene, was set to tie the knot in the forthcoming year, having fallen deeply in love with a man of humble origins. However, Franz, their father, refused to grant his blessing, leaving Helene and her beau heartbroken. Overwhelmed with frustration, Elisabeth sought solace with her dad, who was residing with the circus troupe he sponsored. Through heartfelt conversation, he imparted wisdom, urging her to rekindle her will to live.
Elisabeth subsequently wandered off and found herself drifting into a peaceful slumber amidst the forest. In her dreams, she was reunited with Fienchen, her cherished loved one who had passed away. The next morning, Elisabeth's mother discovered her in the forest and gently guided her back home. With tender care and persistence, she managed to coax Elisabeth to take nourishment and forgive herself for her perceived failures.
In Vienna, Buol cleverly planted seeds of suspicion in Franz's mind regarding Maximilian's motives in Milan, subsequently obtaining the authority to handle the situation as he deemed necessary. Alexander, on the other hand, was incensed when Buol abused his power to empower General Gyulai, escalating military action in Milan. In a moment of frustration, Alexander crudely demanded Sophia's intervention, but she warned him to mind his tone. Meanwhile, Maximilian and Marie were shocked to learn that their palace funds had been cut, leading to a heated argument that escalated into physical altercation. Marie ultimatumly gave Maximilian an ultimatum: solve the problem or face the consequences of their separation.
Later that evening, Margarete indulged in alcohol before dinner, prompting Sophia to call upon Alexander for companionship. However, their intimate moment was abruptly interrupted by Louise, who had suddenly changed her mind. Sophia then dispatched Louise to Franz's chamber, where she found him drowned in sorrow and inebriated, mistakenly confessing his undying love for Elisabeth, mistaking Louise for her. The Baroness was deeply hurt, initially believing that Franz's declarations of love were meant for her.
Elsewhere, Alexander and Sophia shared a profound conversation, peeling away their respective tough exteriors. Sophia revealed her vulnerabilities, while Alexander confessed his heartbreak upon discovering Leontine's secret. Despite the emotional connection, Sophia rejected Alexander's attempt to kiss her.
Having come to terms with Fienchen's demise, Elisabeth resolved to return home. Coincidentally, Franz decided to venture to Bayern to fetch his wife. Their paths crossed on the journey, leading to a reconciliation. Additionally, Elisabeth had penned a letter to Franz, requesting his blessing for Helene's union with her beloved. The episode concludes with Napoleon and his trusted confidant hatching a devious plot to entangle Franz in a scheme that would force him to declare war on Piedmont, all while keeping Franz oblivious to their machinations.
