L'emperadriu

The year is 1853, and 16-year-old Elisabeth "Sissi" of Bavaria has been very clear: she will expect the sweeping, sweeping love poets speak of, or she will have no love at all. Just because her older sister, Elena, has chosen the line of duty and is preparing to marry Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria, it doesn't mean Sisi has to submit to an existence so devoid of passion and regiment as well. Meanwhile, in Austria, the Emperor is recovering from an assassination attempt that left him wounded and scared. In an attempt to keep the peace, Franz Joseph has pledged himself to his imperial duties and has promised an affair with the pliable Bavarian princess, Elena, at her upcoming birthday celebration. What better way to unite the country? But when Sisí and Franz Joseph unexpectedly meet in the palace gardens, away from the prying eyes and unrelenting criticism of their families, their connection cannot be denied. And when their illicit conversations turn into something more, they soon must choose between the expectations of the court and the burning desires of their hearts...