: Overwhelmed by the court's stifling atmosphere, Elisabeth attends a lively soiree where she drinks absinthe and dances with the maids.

: Struggles with the loss of her freedom and the invasive protocols of the palace.

: Maximilian reveals to Elisabeth that her family heirloom necklace once belonged to Marie Antoinette. He attempts to kiss her, but she rejects his advances.

: Continues to assert dominance over both Elisabeth and Franz, while her past affair with the Prince of Vasa threatens the legitimacy of the throne. SNARK WEEK RECAP: The Empress (2022), Ep. 2 - Frock Flicks

: Focuses on modernizing Austria, specifically seeking funds for a new railroad while trying to remain neutral in the looming war between Russia and France.

: Elisabeth is subjected to a humiliating physical examination by a doctor and an archbishop to prove her chastity. Outraged, she later mocks the archbishop during a pre-wedding ceremony, claiming the procedure was just an excuse for old men to look up her skirt. Intrigues and Secrets :