Hail to the King and Queen - Henry Christophe & Marie-Louise

The Queen was the Stabilizing source to temper the Kings strict ways

Queen Marie-Louise was the balancing force in her husband, King Henry’s kingdom. She was the daughter of slaves who purchased their freedom, built a hotel business, and obtained wealth. They sent her to France for her education. She excelled in her studies and made many European friends in Europe and Saint Domingue at her father’s hotel. Later she married Henry (formerly Henri), a former slave, who was later employed as a skilled manager at her father’s Hotel de la Couronne in Cap Français. When their first son died from Yellow Fever, Henry became bitter and resentful, accumulating an uncharacteristic tendency of brutality. The Queen was always there to calm his nature.

Queen Marie-Louise Christophe was Celebrated in both England and Italy during the end of her life there

Marie Louise departed for England for her and her two daughters’ safety upon Henry's death in 1820 and the execution of her son. She lived out the rest of her days without economic difficulties from assets Henry had deposited in the banks of London. She later moved to Pisa, Italy where she died at the age of 73, having outlived her entire family of two sons, two daughters, and her husband.

In 2022, blue plaques were erected in London to honor the Queen's time in England and celebrate her legacy and a beautiful historical marker at the church of San Donnino, in Italy, installed on April 23, 2023, to honor her and her daughters.

Henry (Henri) Christophe, who changed his name from the French to English spelling when emancipated, was a capable military man, a determined builder, and an efficient administrator. He established the first kingdom in the Caribbean and brought progress to his people.

However, his strict governing codes caused unrest and ultimately led to the downfall of his planned dynasty. He eventually committed suicide after suffering a stroke.

Considered the 8th Wonder of the World, the Citadelle Laferrière in Haiti was built by King Henry

During his reign, King Henry built many impressive forts, palaces, schools, and infrastructure, but forced many into labor with the system of Corvée (translated as ‘Chores’) to support his kingdom's economy and build massive fortifications

Born a British slave on the island of St. Christopher (St. Kitts), he escaped on a French ship, was named Henri Christophe, drafted into the French military, fought in the American Revolution, and eventually purchased his freedom through intelligence, management, and entrepreneurship.

The Spectacular Sans Souci Palace is recreated from ruins by a digital artist. Much of the structure still stands today

Book Four - The Clash of Pétion and Christophe - opens on New Year's Day of 1804, in three different cities - Cap Français, Gonaïves, and Port Républicain - where our main characters and principal protagonists begin to navigate their way through the aftermath of liberation, not knowing that their paths would soon cross at dangerous intersections. As they strive to establish stability and peace in their homeland, they will soon realize that this may be even more challenging than fighting for their freedom.