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 rising 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-intended gesture backfires, leading her to befriend the dubious maid, Leontine.