The only thing Elric has ever wanted was to rule. Now his brother and a dragon sit on the throne, and his only recourse is to beg the phoenix Athan for help. Elric will trade anything—even his body—for power.
There's nothing wrong with wanting power, no matter what Athan says. Elric's soul isn't broken, or dirtied, or rusted. Athan's insistence on "fixing" Elric is nothing but a distraction.
His ambition might drive Athan away entirely, but Elric doesn't need smiles. He doesn't need joy. He doesn't need Athan's heat, which warms the dark corners of himself he'd thought long forgotten.
So why does the thought of losing Athan make Elric question everything he's ever wanted?
Though The Phoenix and His Prince functions as a standalone, it is best enjoyed after reading The Dragon and His Prince. (Please mind the warnings!)