Who is King Sombra in love with?

King Sombra’s Secret Love for Princess Celestia

In the vast, ever-expanding world of My Little Pony, not all villains are doomed to darkness. One of the most surprising twists in the IDW comics comes from a little-known alternate reality explored in Issue #18, where King Sombra isn’t the tyrannical ruler we know—but a reformed, compassionate monarch whose heart belongs to none other than Princess Celestia.

It’s a revelation that catches even Celestia off guard. During her recounting of a journey through a parallel Equestria, she describes a world where Sombra never fell to corruption. Instead, he rules with wisdom and grace. More strikingly, he and Celestia share a deep, mutual affection—one born not of conquest, but of understanding and shared purpose.

This version of Sombra is a far cry from the shadowy, power-hungry figure who once imprisoned the Crystal Empire. In this reality, love softened his edges long ago. And while it’s unclear if such a bond could ever exist in the prime timeline, the idea lingers like a quiet spell: even the most broken hearts can find redemption through connection.

Celestia, ever the guardian of harmony, speaks of him not with fear, but with tenderness. It’s a rare glimpse into what might have been—a what-if that tugs at the heart. Could love have changed Sombra’s fate? The comics don’t answer that directly, but they do suggest something powerful: that even in darkness, there’s room for light.

So, to answer the question—yes, King Sombra is in love with Princess Celestia. But more importantly, she loves him back—just not in our world. And perhaps that’s the saddest part of all.