Helene y Elisabeth viajan para reunirse con el emperador Francisco, de quien se espera que pida la mano de Helene. En la fiesta, sorprende a todos con una decisión inesperada.
Elisabeth marries Franz, and the imperial 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.