Countess Sophie Esterházy

 is a character on The Empress. She is portrayed by Wiebke Puls.

Biography
Esterházy is Archduchess Sophie's close confidant and Chief Court Mistress.

Throughout The Empress
Esterházy, lined up the handmaidens, including Leontine von Apafi, giving them strict instructions to not leave any gaps in the preparation of the royal wedding. She asked the handmaidens to take note of everything about Elisabeth.

During Elisabeth and Franz's dance lesson with Johann Strauss, they snuck off and kissed in a room. They were caught by Esterházy.

Esterházy brought Elisabeth to a room, where she was forced to have a chastity test by a doctor, with the assistance of Countess Leontine von Apafi and Countess Amalia von Salm-Reifferscheidt. During the chastity test, Elisabeth was visibly uncomfortable and kicked the doctor. She refused to be tested and said that she was chaste, but Esterházy was insistent that the doctor must confirm Elisabeth's chastity. When the doctor questioned Elisbeth's chastity, Leontine von Apafi spoke for Elisabeth and held her hand.

On the morning of the wedding, Esterhazy was furious as Elisabeth wasn't found in her bed. Instead, Elisabeth was hiding behind the curtains with Helene. Helen found her and the two sisters reconciled their relationship.

After the wedding, Elisabeth requested Countess Esterházy to allow Helene to head her court, which greatly concerned Esterházy. Elisbeth later changed her mind and sent Helene off to Bohemia.

The night of Elisabeth and Franz's wedding, Esterházy demanded that Elisabeth wear a gown for consummation on the wedding night. She told Elisabeth that pain is normal, and that it would be best for her to lie still and let everything take its course. The consummation was not in the pursuit of pleasure, but for God and for the Holy Habsburg Empire.

That night, Sophie lay in bed, concerned that her time at the palace was over. Esterházy attempted to lay down next to her, but was stopped by Sophie. Esterházy appeared disappointed, and it is implied that they have previously had relations.

Esterházy told Sophie that Elisabeth may be pregnant, as she had not bled in a month. Sophie insisted that hope must become reality. Esterházy followed Sophie's instructions and forced Elisabeth to eat raw eggs and the placenta of a woman who just gave birth to her 8th son.

Elisabeth was made to drink more raw eggs to help with bearing an heir. Esterházy and Archduke Ludwig-Viktor accompanied Elisabeth on her trip to the city. Countess Esterházy reminded Elisabeth to not make eye contact, touch or engage in a one-to-one conversation with the people. Ludwig gave Elisabeth some advice on what she should say when nervous.

Appearances

 * Season One


 * One's Place in the World
 * The Arrival
 * The Wedding
 * The Hunt
 * The Shoes
 * The God Who Us Has Freedom Sent