This series will make you want to read it over and over again...and each time you read it, you will discover something new to fall in love with.
The relationship between Taki (uke) and Klaus (seme) is one of extreme complexity which is only heightened by the setting in which it takes place: They are in the middle of a war in which Taki has an important role and Klaus is his personal knight.
The theme of forbidden love is done really well in Maiden Rose: Taki is extremely aware of the difference in their positions, and tries to do what is best for his country, but his love for Klaus frequently takes over. The contrast between his exterior facade and his underlying gentle demeanor heightens the romance which tugs (read as "yanks") at the heart strings. Klaus, on the other hand, is very devoted to Taki and wants them to be happy together, regardless of the loyalties to their respective homeland. He has frequently shown the desire to be gentle with Taki, but is unable to do so properly.
As the setting takes place directly on the battlefield, there is an atmosphere of both hope and hopelessness. This helps emphasize the state of Taki and Klaus' relationship. Each has sacrificed something in the hopes of being together: Klaus has abandoned his home country and a conflict-free life; Taki has sacrificed his pride and his freedom. Yet, at any moment, either of them could die and all of their hardships would have come to nothing. Still, they struggle, they fight and they step forward for the sake of a better and peaceful future.
Their relationship troubles mainly lie in Taki's position and representation of purity, and Klaus' life as a soldier which frequently haunts him. However, although their relationship is difficult, they are completely devoted to and trust in each other.
when Klaus almost dies and Taki tries to save him despite the protests from his colleagues, he says something along the lines of "this can't make me dirty!" implying that he values Klaus' life over the pride of his nation (one of my favourite scenes...always makes me want to cry)
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Another thing that I love about Maiden Rose is the theme of fate. They seem to have met several times throughout their life though neither really seem to remember the meetings very clearly. There are frequent references to the two yearning for another country though neither knows why. There are also mentions of those in the Reizen (Taki's) household and Wolfstadt (Klaus') family who are drawn to a "far off land" and "flowers" (respectively). These implications heavily suggest that Taki and Klaus are meant for each other regardless of the difficulties in their relationship; it's done beautifully, in vague mentions and panels with a recurring image of flowers.
Maiden Rose has a really strange organization. It begins with their relationship at the most complex time (when Taki is resisting the most, and Klaus is the most reckless) so it almost makes you think that Taki is just being abused. However, as the series progresses, the two manage to improve their relationship (albeit slowly), and you get a glimpse of how much they really care for each other.
Anyway, Maiden Rose is probably one of my favourite yaoi manga series ever. The art is beautiful, the story is unbelievably good, and (IMO) has one of the best romances once you start getting into the complexity of their relationship. You can't help but want a better future for them after all they've been through.
Personal opinion --> 10/10 (rating may vary from person to person due to the rape scenes)
Oh yes, here's a quote from the manga which basically says everything about their relationship:
"You'll never understand what it is like to meet a person, once in a lifetime, that you are willing to give up everything for" - Klaus Von Wolfstadt