The queen in question is Nzinga, who wielded a unique and formidable authority during her reign over Angola in the 1600s. Unlike conventional royalty, she rejected the title of Queen, preferring to be recognized as a King by her people. This unconventional approach was not merely symbolic; Nzinga, in an effort to assert her dominance and challenge social norms, even ruled dressed as a man.

Her quest for power extended beyond the traditional realms of gender expectations. Nzinga was renowned for maintaining a substantial harem comprised of young men referred to as male wives. In her entourage, numbering an impressive 80, these men were exclusively attired in dresses and assumed roles typically associated with women within the palace.

Nzinga's penchant for asserting dominance took a dark and brutal turn. Under the cloak of night, she would arbitrarily select two of her male wives and force them into a merciless fight to the death. With a disturbing fascination, she would observe as the