The heir to the Austro‑Hungarian throne, Crown Prince Rudolf, is a vibrant and complex personality. Women, balls, receptions — behind the carefree facade lies a heavy burden of responsibility and uncertainty. At any moment, he could become emperor, and his fate is tied to the Empire. Rudolf is unhappy in his marriage. Many ladies would have liked to be by his side, but only Baroness Vetsera managed to kindle a genuine feeling in him. Their bright, passionate love was doomed from the outset. The lovers took their lives in the gloomy Mayerling Castle.