KUSHIEL'S MERCY is the third book, and conclusion of the Imriel Trilogy and the sixth book in the Kushiel's Legacy series. Having learned their lesson about thwarting Elua's precept love as thou wilt, Imriel and Sidonie have confessed their love publicly, only to see it bring turmoil to their country. Those old enough cannot forget the horrible deeds of Imriel's mother, Melisande, who sold out their country forcing many to lose fathers and brothers to war. Finally Ysandre, the queen, sets down a decree--she will not divide the lovers, but neither will she acknowledge them. And if they were to marry, Sidonie would be disinherited. That is, unless Imriel finds his mother and brings her back to Terre D'Ange for execution for treason. When a general from Carthage comes bearing tribute, he tricks the residents of the city of Elua in a foul, magical way. Marrying Sidonie, the general carts her off with plans to conquer an empire for himself. Terre D'Ange is in chaos, which will soon accelerate into near civil war. Though they always seem mismatched, Imriel and Sidonie learn that blessed Elua always puts hearts together for a purpose. The great, glorious, transcendental love that binds Sidonie and Imriel, even when they don't seem to know themselves, will help them to save several nations from war and servitude.