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 growing 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.

Maximilian gathers support for an evil plan, while Elisabeth's well-intentioned gesture backfires; she befriends Leontine, the maid.

Elisabeth spends her time partying with Maximilian while Franz is desperate to reconcile with her; Leontine lands in a precarious situation.