Leontine von Apafi, a character from The Empress, has one of the most fascinating and tragic arcs in the show. Played by Almila Bagriacik, Leontine is not what she appears to be. Under a false identity, she is known as Ava, a commoner with a deep disdain for the royal family.
She joins forces with Egon to bring down the monarchy, and her actions set the stage for a gripping story filled with deception, betrayal, and heartache.
Let’s dive into the details of Leontine’s journey and explore what happens to her in the show.
Leontine’s start of her plot in The Empress
Leontine’s story begins when she and Egon decide to use the royal wedding of Emperor Franz Joseph and Elisabeth as an opportunity to carry out their dangerous plan. They see this as the perfect moment to strike against the royal family. Leontine’s role in this conspiracy starts with a dark turn.
In the woods, she helps to orchestrate the death of Countess Leontine von Apafi, a woman she impersonates. After killing her, Leontine takes the Countess’s clothes and travel documents, setting up her new identity. She’s ready to move forward with her plan, and soon after, she secures a position as a Court Mistress at Schönbrunn Palace.
Now, under the guise of Countess Leontine von Apafi, Leontine begins working at the palace, tasked with preparing for the royal wedding. She quickly blends in with the other Court Mistresses but keeps a low profile. While attending to her duties, Leontine continues to work closely with Egon, who is also a part of the conspiracy.
One pivotal moment comes when Leontine and Egon attend the public execution of three revolutionaries, which further fuels their hatred for the monarchy. Leontine remains cold and determined, all while pretending to be part of the elite circle of the palace.
During her time at the palace, Leontine meets Elisabeth, the future Empress, and quickly gains her trust. Leontine’s charm and skills, such as her knowledge of French and her ability to read aloud, impress Elisabeth. However, beneath the surface, Leontine is still very much part of the plot against the royal family.
At one point, Elisabeth undergoes a humiliating chastity test, which Leontine is forced to assist with. Elisabeth resists the test, but Leontine quietly supports her. This moment is one of the few times we see Leontine’s softer side. Still, she remains loyal to her mission and keeps her true intentions hidden.
The discovery of Leontine's true identity
As Leontine spends more time at the palace, she begins to experience doubt about her mission. The royal family, particularly Elisabeth, isn’t as bad as she initially believed. Leontine starts questioning whether she’s on the right side of the conflict, especially as she grows closer to Elisabeth.
Egon, however, doesn’t take kindly to Leontine’s change of heart. He accuses her of betraying their cause, and the tension between the two grows. Leontine tries to distance herself from the conspiracy, but it becomes clear that her loyalty is in question.
Leontine’s secret identity unravels when Amalia, one of the other Court Mistresses, grows suspicious of her. Leontine’s lies are beginning to catch up with her, and she realizes she can’t keep up the charade forever.
Despite the growing risks, Leontine continues to try to protect herself. She warns Elsa, another co-conspirator, that Amalia knows the truth, but Elsa insists that the plan must go forward. At this point, Leontine is trapped, unsure of where to turn.
In the end, Leontine makes a heartbreaking decision. She betrays Egon, revealing his assassination plot against Emperor Franz Joseph. Egon is caught, and although his fate is not fully shown, it’s implied that he is executed. This marks a turning point for Leontine, who feels devastated by the loss of her lover and the collapse of their plan.
However, her betrayal doesn’t go unnoticed. Elsa, now furious with Leontine, warns her that she will never make it back to Vienna and threatens her life. Leontine is now alone, a betrayed woman caught in a web of deceit.
Tragic death of Leontine
As the drama unfolds, Leontine’s fate takes an even darker turn. She confronts Amalia after discovering that Amalia has been sharing photos of the Apafi family, a move that reveals her true identity. In a fit of rage, Leontine pushes Amalia over the railings, nearly killing her.
Leontine’s outburst is witnessed by Charlotte, who realizes the extent of Leontine’s desperation. As the situation grows more intense, Leontine’s choices ultimately lead to her tragic downfall.
Leontine’s story in The Empress is a powerful tale of betrayal, heartbreak, and loss. From her role as a secret agent working against the royal family to her final moments of desperation, Leontine’s fate is sealed by her actions.
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Despite her early determination, her growing connection to Elisabeth and the consequences of her choices lead her down a path of no return. Her tragic end reflects the high price of deception and the unforgiving nature of the world she tried to manipulate.
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