Władysław faces further opposition from his father,…
November 1610 CE
Władysław faces further opposition from his father, however.
When Żółkiewski returns to meet Sigismund at Smolensk in November of this year, Sigismund III changes his mind and decides that he could gain the Russian throne for himself.
A majority of the Russians oppose the move, especially as Sigismund doesn't hide his intent to Catholicize Russia.
Żółkiewski finds himself in an awkward position–he has promised the boyars Prince Władysław to keep the Russian throne for Poland, and he knows that they will not accept Sigismund, who is unpopular throughout Russia.
However, he also has to explain this to his king, who is convinced, from his conquests in the west, of his popularity in Russia.
Eventually, Żółkiewski, disappointed with Sigismund, returns to Poland.
Sigismund eventually compromises; he decides that he will allow his son to take the throne and that he will rule as regent until Władysław comes of age.
Thus, he requires that the boyars who submit and swear allegiance to Prince Władysław will also have to swear an oath to him.