The Empress is a dazzling reimagining of the courtship between one of history's most iconic and beloved couples: Sisi and Franz of Austria. The year is 1853, and 16-year-old Elisabeth "Sisi" of Bavaria has been very clear: she will wait for the sweeping, head-over-heels kind of love the poets speak of, or she will have no love at all. Meanwhile, in Austria, the Emperor is recovering from an assassination attempt that left him wounded and scared. In a bid to keep the peace, Franz has recommitted himself to his imperial duties - and promised to romance the pliant Bavarian princess, Helene, at his upcoming birthday celebration. But when Sisi and Franz meet unexpectedly in the palace gardens, away from the prying eyes and relentless critique of their families, their connection cannot be denied. And as their illicit conversations turn into something more, they must soon choose between the expectations of the court, and the burning desires of their hearts... Epic, captivating, and deliciously steamy, The Empress is a remarkably contemporary tale of falling in love and finding one's voice. To the fans of Bridgerton, The Crown, Sarah MacClean, and Lisa Kleypas: this one is for you.