Sisi and Count Andrassy travel together to Vienna to convince Franz of the need for a Hungarian parliament. But the special closeness between Sisi and Andrassy does not go unnoticed by Franz.

Franz breaks with Count Andrassy and, at the last minute, risks the support of the Hungarians in the impending war. While Sisi has to prove herself as a ruler alone in Vienna, her heart is with Franz and Andrassy on the battlefield.

The war has left deep wounds. Franz does not let Sisi get close to him and sends her back to Hungary. She does not yet suspect that this could be a farewell forever, but deeply hurt Sisi decides to go.