Jess

Jess is Kestrel's best friend. She barely survived the Herrani-Valorian revolutionary war.

Personality
Jess is described to be quite cheerful and friendly. She loves dressing up and seems to be a loyal friend, as she will stay loyal to Kestrel, even when she'll have a reputation ruined (something that Benix won't do). Even though she seems to be a nice girl, we can see that she contains within herself a dark side as she made Kestrel promise to make the Herranis pay for what they did.

It is also known that she is shipping Ronan and Kestrel.

Jess got very sick and weak after drinking the poisoned wine at the Firstwinter Rebellion. She went to the Southern Isles to try and cure her sickness but came back for Kestrel's engagement ball. Jess made Kestrel a beautiful necklace made of glass-encrusted flowers that broke after Arin cornered Kestrel in a balcony. Jess was upset and then left the next day. Kestrel came to her house soon after. Jess was angry after she realized what Kestrel had done for Arin and the Herrani (signed the treaty, fell in love with Arin, betrayed her own people). Jess is angry that Kestrel loves Arin instead of Ronan. After this argument, Jess and Kestrel aren't exactly friends anymore, they don't associate with each other. It is then said that Kestrel tries several times to go to Jess's house or contact her, but Jess turns her away or ignores her.