Born of royal blood, 15-year-old Elisabeth (Sisi) is a free-spirited child of nature with no social graces to speak of when Franz Joseph, Emperor of Austria, falls madly in love with her. In 1854, as the new Empress of Austria, she is swept into the harsh world of the Habsburg Empire with its power struggles and political intrigues. Elisabeths mother-in-law is determined to crush her spirit and her husband has a roving eye that never misses the next pretty lady. But Elisabeth is no ordinary women. In the face of adversity, her determination emerges unbounded and she makes her beauty one of her strengths. While blazing her own path to power and freedom, true love enters her life. This is a compelling story of Elisabeths loves, tragedies and triumphs. Her love of Hungarians brought about her greatest achievement -- helping to influence the formation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.